Each of the dictionary definitions and those found in literature searches show similarities such as the identification of a sympathetic response to another person or groups of persons requiring care. (Dictionary.com 2015, Sweet et al. 2015, Boscarino et al. 2004, Schutz 2009, Huggard 2003) Dissimilarities were also identified by reflecting differences that either illustrated a slight bias in support of the research being conducted or by mitigating the description by omitting characteristics of the concept. For example, both definitions of Compassion Fatigue (The Oxford Dictionary of English n.d. , Dictionary.com n.d.) indicate a principle of causation (cause and effect). The effect or dependent variable is the individual’s response (Compassion
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These concepts are:
• Posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD: A condition of persistent mental and emotional stress occurring as a result of injury or severe psychological shock, typically involving disturbance of sleep and constant vivid recall of the experience, with dulled responses to others and the outside world. ("PTSD," n.d.)
• Burnout: Physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress ("Burnout," …show more content…
For the past 10 years he has taken care of his chronically ill wife and their two children while working full time at the Hospital. He loved his job and looked forward to the next challenging experience at work. Co-workers would comment that Bob was a “natural” with patient care and that he was able to connect with patients when no one else could. Despite the intensity of the work, Bob would frequently comment that he felt his job was rewarding and that he was glad to make a difference in the life of so many.
Recently Bob’s wife died of complications resulting from her chronic illness. She was the reason he became a nurse and she was his emotional support with all the challenges related to the Trauma Team. The death of his wife was greater than any traumatic experience he had ever known from his career. Following her death, Bob seemed empty. He was often late for work and was now frequently blunt or curt with his response to patients and their families. He began to comment to his co-workers that his patience was wearing thin with everyone’s neediness. Bob was experiencing Compassion Fatigue.
What Compassion Fatigue Is
These concepts are:
• Posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD: A condition of persistent mental and emotional stress occurring as a result of injury or severe psychological shock, typically involving disturbance of sleep and constant vivid recall of the experience, with dulled responses to others and the outside world. ("PTSD," n.d.)
• Burnout: Physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress ("Burnout," …show more content…
For the past 10 years he has taken care of his chronically ill wife and their two children while working full time at the Hospital. He loved his job and looked forward to the next challenging experience at work. Co-workers would comment that Bob was a “natural” with patient care and that he was able to connect with patients when no one else could. Despite the intensity of the work, Bob would frequently comment that he felt his job was rewarding and that he was glad to make a difference in the life of so many.
Recently Bob’s wife died of complications resulting from her chronic illness. She was the reason he became a nurse and she was his emotional support with all the challenges related to the Trauma Team. The death of his wife was greater than any traumatic experience he had ever known from his career. Following her death, Bob seemed empty. He was often late for work and was now frequently blunt or curt with his response to patients and their families. He began to comment to his co-workers that his patience was wearing thin with everyone’s neediness. Bob was experiencing Compassion Fatigue.
What Compassion Fatigue Is