In these turbulent times, all of us—direct care nurses, students, and even nurse faculty—are subject to burnout and must pay attention to our own well-being. As previously noted, findings from the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey describe the significant loss of RNs younger than 40 who plan to leave the work force which confirms this susceptibility. While nurse faculty cannot change the turbulence within the healthcare system, they can provide learning opportunities to increase student resilience while they are in the nursing program. Here are some recommendations that nurse educators can integrate into the curriculum and other school experiences to boost student resilience: 1. Understanding Burnout and Compassion Fatigue: Students must understand their potential for burnout and compassion fatigue, both during their education and in their future roles as healthcare professionals. Understanding the symptoms and the environmental factors that may be contributing to them is key to being resilient. The table below presents definitions and symptoms that provide clues to the potential danger to the individual. Students should be presented with this information early in their course of study, so they will be prepared for the high expectations of the nursing program and later in their professional roles. Table A outlines important information to understand burnout and compassion fatigue. Table A: Burnout and Compassion Fatigue
CONDITION
DEFINITIONS
SYMPTOMS
Burnout
§ A syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed § Characterized by three dimensions: • Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion • Increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job • Reduced professional efficacy § The onset of burnout is more progressive than compassion fatigue Maunder, Heeney, (2021) § A combination of physical, emotional, and spiritual depletion associated with caring for patients in significant emotional pain and physical distress (Lombardo, Eyre, 2011). § Compassion fatigue is more acute than burnout; however, having burnout can increase the likelihood of developing compassion fatigue.
§ Emotional exhaustion
(feeling drained & fatigued)
§ Becoming indifferent or emotionally withdrawn § Decreased sense of professionalism § Depression
§ Thoughts of suicide § Poor physical health Maunder, Heeney, (2021)
Compassion Fatigue
§ Avoidance/dread of working with certain patients § Reduced ability to feel empathy towards patients § Frequent use of sick days § Headaches, digestive problems: diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach § Muscle tension § Sleep disturbances: inability to sleep, insomnia, too much sleep § Fatigue § Cardiac symptoms: chest pain/pressure, palpitations, tachycardia § Mood swings § Restlessness § Irritability § Oversensitivity § Anxiety § Excessive use of substances: nicotine, alcohol, illicit drugs § Depression § Anger and resentment § Loss of objectivity § Memory issues § Poor concentration, focus, and judgment
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