Compassion Fatigue: When Caring Hurts

Course overview

Compassion fatigue (CF) occurs when a caregiver experiences what experts call "secondary traumatic stress" in reaction to caring for those who are themselves suffering from traumatic events. Although caregivers don't actually experience the event (as is the case with post-traumatic stress disorder), they experience the event emotionally by caring for the patient. CF has become more widely recognized as a problem that many nurses face. In a general poll conducted by the American Nurses Association, 62% of 839 respondents reported suffering from CF, indicating that CF is prevalent among nurses. CF creates physical and emotional distress, but it's not just a personal issue, it's a patient safety issue, as well. Research has shown that CF may increase the risk of medical errors. This module will help nurses prevent, identify and manage compassion fatigue.