Navigating the realities of burnout and compassion fatigue in the healthcare industry
Working in a patient-facing healthcare role and providing the high level of care and attention that patients seek demands high levels of empathy. However, these empathetic and caring tendencies can affect healthcare providers’ mental and physical health.
The high stress, anxiety, depression, and utter exhaustion seen in healthcare workers make it clear that the healthcare industry’s standard work environment is unsustainable, especially regarding employee health, well-being, and satisfaction. However, admitting the existence of the dilemma is not enough; the only way to see improvements is by ensuring healthcare workers and their employers are aware of and address all work-related factors that follow them home and adversely affect their well-being.
Listen to this article:
The current state of healthcare employees
Workers across industries face high levels of burnout; according to Zippia, 89% of Americans experienced burnout within the past year, with physical fatigue, cognitive weariness, and emotional exhaustion as the most common symptoms. While all employees are seeing higher than normal levels of burnout, physicians remain the profession with the highest rates, with nurses another top contender. A survey by Mental Health America reported that 93% of healthcare workers are experiencing stress from their jobs, 86% suffer from anxiety, and 75% are overwhelmed by their job responsibilities.
The data is clear–healthcare professionals face a professional landscape that only exacerbates feelings of burnout. High workloads and difficulty keeping up staffing numbers all contribute to the feelings of utter physical and emotional exhaustion facing healthcare employees. The overwhelm exacted by these careers does not end there, either; another form of burnout has become more prominently discussed within healthcare: compassion fatigue.
While similar to burnout regarding feeling overwhelmed, compassion fatigue occurs not when someone’s energies extend too far, and they have too many responsibilities but when a desire to help others is overwhelmed by exposure to the trauma of others, otherwise known as secondary traumatic stress.
Those in the healthcare industry are especially susceptible to compassion fatigue since their employment requires daily compassion and near-constant exposure to the trauma faced by their patients, soon leaving them overwhelmed and emotionally and psychologically drained.
The warning signs of compassion fatigue
Healthcare workers and their employers should be aware of the signs of compassion fatigue to aid in early interventions. These signs can include:
Feeling psychologically, physically, and emotionally exhausted
How to cope with compassion fatigue and burnout
Those looking to cope with their compassion fatigue and burnout benefit the most from self-care, education, and a sense of community. The following are some strategies healthcare workers can employ to help manage and mitigate the impacts of compassion fatigue.
How hospital administration can address compassion fatigue and support staff
As compassion fatigue continues to threaten healthcare workers, it is up to hospital administrators to instigate programs that bring staff awareness to this often-hidden struggle and provide resources for them to work through any challenges.
Education is a priority, and a review of multiple studies found that the most impactful models help providers identify symptoms of compassion fatigue, recognize triggers, create an inventory of resources available, learn calming techniques for when they are “in the moment,” and master conflict resolution.
Additionally, healthcare leaders and administrators can support their staff by creating spaces for employees struggling with compassion fatigue to come together and reflect on the workday struggles weighing on their minds. Dr. Heidi Allespach of the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine shared with the American Psychological Association that support groups can help healthcare professionals see compassion fatigue as normal and may also make them more likely to reach out for help.
Healthcare workers are undoubtedly committed to their work, often pushing themselves too far to make a difference in their patients’ lives. The seemingly unavoidable result is compassion fatigue, but interventions and education can help nurture a stronger healthcare force that is better equipped for handling mental challenges. When hospital administration and healthcare staff work together, compassion fatigue can be transformed into compassion resilience.
Amelia Kinsinger
Feeling helpless, powerless, or hopeless
Feeling detached or experiencing less pleasure in activities
Continually thinking of the suffering of others and feeling angry about the people or events causing this suffering
Experiencing less personal and professional accomplishment
Feeling angry, irritable, numb, or sad
Placing blame on yourself and feeling like you didn’t do enough to help others who are suffering
Sleep disturbances
Changes in appetite
Dizziness
Nausea
Focus on self-care
When it comes to compassion fatigue, one of the first things healthcare professionals should do is focus on creating a balance between their professional and personal lives.
Acknowledge what’s controllable
Find balance
Find a community
For those working in the healthcare field, it is essential for them to focus on themselves first to ensure they can continue doing their job. By getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, choosing a healthy diet, and nurturing social relationships, healthcare employees can take care of themselves and place themselves in the best possible position to manage the emotional and psychological toll their job takes.
Furthermore, it’s crucial not just to go through the motions but to genuinely believe in self-care's importance. Otherwise, it’s common to feel guilty for taking the time to care for oneself, negating any potential benefits a solid self-care plan offers.
Those suffering from compassion fatigue often feel guilt over elements from their workday that are outside of their control, many times feeling as though there was more they could have done. This guilt can weigh heavily on one’s mind.
Healthcare workers can combat compassion fatigue by focusing on what is controllable, such as thoughts and feelings. There’s a lot outside of our control, so healthcare workers need to manage their thoughts, how they react to situations, and how they think of themselves.
Self-compassion is a vital practice for healthcare workers as part of remembering that outside forces are uncontrollable and setting reasonable expectations for themselves.
When going through a challenging time, such as compassion fatigue, one of the most significant forms of solace healthcare employees can find is a community of others going through similar struggles. Not only can this help them feel less alone, but it can also help them gain tips for working through compassion fatigue and accountability for preventing and addressing any signs.
Find balance
Focus on self-care
Acknowledge what’s controllable
Find a community
Listen to this article:
This piece was written by a freelance writer and not by a member of the Healthcare Brew editorial staff.
This piece was written by a freelance writer and not by a member of the Healthcare Brew editorial staff.