Carrying the Flame Without Burning Up
Rev. Jay Fulton, M.Div., MA, BCC
Chaplain, UK HealthCare
Financial Disclosure
Nothing to Disclose
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Objectives
• Understand and identify signs of compassion fatigue in
yourself.
• Identify changes you are going to make to take better care of
yourself.
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One Nurses’ Experience
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What is Compassion Fatigue?
Mental, emotional,
spiritual and/or physical
exhaustion resulting from
continuous exposure to
stress and trauma. (Jenkins,
2012
This can lead to
depersonalization,
disengagement and
cynicism.
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What does this look like?
• Depersonalization
• Diminished
endurance and
performance
• Decreased
empathy
• Poor judgment
• Disengagement
• Sleep disturbance
• Weight loss/gain
• Emotional
“breakdown”
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What Causes Compassion Fatigue?
• Exposure to
Suffering
• Continuous/Intense
contact with patients
• High stress
environment
• High use of self in
one’s work
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Who is at Risk?
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How do I keep this from happening to
me?
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Self Care
Adequate sleep, Healthy eating, Exercise
Do what gives you meaning and purpose
Take time for rest
Take time for fun
Set healthy boundaries
Practice mindfulness
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What is Mindfulness
The awareness that
arises out of paying
attention on
purpose, in the
present moment,
without judgment.
(Kabat-Zinn 1994)
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What renews me
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What if I am currently experiencing
Compassion Fatigue?
• Take a break/time off
• Talk with someone
• Be compassionate with yourself
• “If compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete” –
Jack Kornfield, American Buddhist monk
• Start practicing self-care
• Practice mindfulness
• Get help
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A Blessing for Nurses
Questions?
Thank You!
[email protected]