As hospice nurses spend vast amounts of time with family caretakers, they will undoubtedly witness the rising stress levels of these care-givers, especially when the terminally ill patient lingers on the border of death for months or years. As Reinhart states, “burnout is a syndrome of emotional exhaustion and cynicism that frequently occurs among those who spend considerable time in close encounters with others under conditions of chronic tension and stress” (Maslash & Jackson, 1979, p.59). Several family caregivers also experience high levels of work demands in addition to their caregiving role this creates pressure and takes up much of their time as the level of caregiving rises so does the amount of exhaustion on behalf of
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“The rewards of caring for a terminally ill relative can simultaneously produce profound psychological effects, increase anxiety and depression, cause deterioration in other relationships, and suppress professional roles and involvement in personally fulfilling and healthy activities” (Wittenberg, p.383). “Several caregivers talked about being challenged by their patients, specifically about the constant expression of love during caregiving” (Whittenburg, p.386). Some caregivers feel guilt whether or not they express this need enough and increased pressure to incorporate the emotional management of the patient as an additional duty. The impact of striving to deliver care while also wishing for finalization of the patient’s life creates areas of psychological concern. “Such dissonant feelings materialize as guilt, and caregivers described being aware of these feelings, yet did not know how to manage these thoughts” (Whittenburg, p.387). This was especially noted in cases where the caregiver felt as sense of indebtedness to deliver care, and the caregiver recognized that their own needs would regain a higher level of importance upon …show more content…
“Anger may be displayed toward anyone and everyone” (Amenta & Bohnet p.107). Some are times when tension consumes a patient’s entire room. Despite this, in the majority of families a resolution can be reached, but the problem must first be addressed. This is a common process that many families go through when terminal illness is involved and care is required. A hospice nurse can may have to act as a mediator in some cases encouraging a family member discussion rather than lashing out at one another indirectly. “Because anxiety underlies much anger, and because anxiety and poor self-concept are related, assisting the patient or family member to address self-concept may also be helpful” (Kemp p.34). It can also be beneficial for a hospice nurse to identify any emotional signs that lead up to outbursts of anger. Ways to address this are to develop other means of communication, or practice more effective strategies at addressing the issues. The hospice nurse can encourage the family member to look at the negative impacts that their behavior can
“The rewards of caring for a terminally ill relative can simultaneously produce profound psychological effects, increase anxiety and depression, cause deterioration in other relationships, and suppress professional roles and involvement in personally fulfilling and healthy activities” (Wittenberg, p.383). “Several caregivers talked about being challenged by their patients, specifically about the constant expression of love during caregiving” (Whittenburg, p.386). Some caregivers feel guilt whether or not they express this need enough and increased pressure to incorporate the emotional management of the patient as an additional duty. The impact of striving to deliver care while also wishing for finalization of the patient’s life creates areas of psychological concern. “Such dissonant feelings materialize as guilt, and caregivers described being aware of these feelings, yet did not know how to manage these thoughts” (Whittenburg, p.387). This was especially noted in cases where the caregiver felt as sense of indebtedness to deliver care, and the caregiver recognized that their own needs would regain a higher level of importance upon …show more content…
“Anger may be displayed toward anyone and everyone” (Amenta & Bohnet p.107). Some are times when tension consumes a patient’s entire room. Despite this, in the majority of families a resolution can be reached, but the problem must first be addressed. This is a common process that many families go through when terminal illness is involved and care is required. A hospice nurse can may have to act as a mediator in some cases encouraging a family member discussion rather than lashing out at one another indirectly. “Because anxiety underlies much anger, and because anxiety and poor self-concept are related, assisting the patient or family member to address self-concept may also be helpful” (Kemp p.34). It can also be beneficial for a hospice nurse to identify any emotional signs that lead up to outbursts of anger. Ways to address this are to develop other means of communication, or practice more effective strategies at addressing the issues. The hospice nurse can encourage the family member to look at the negative impacts that their behavior can