It seems like nurse burnout is the buzzword everywhere these days. But even with all the chatter, its sneaky sidekick—compassion fatigue—has a way of creeping up on you when you least expect it. One minute you're handling it all, and the next, it’s waiting to pounce when your guard is down.
Read on for a quiz to help you decipher if you’re experiencing compassion fatigue, as well as some remedies you can put in your nursing well-being toolbox.
What is Compassion Fatigue?
Compassion fatigue is a symptom of nurse burnout from emotional, physical, or spiritual exhaustion from exposure to others in pain and distress. Nurses often internalize the suffering they witness, which can lead to secondary traumatic stress. Essentially, continuing to absorb the trauma of others gradually drains your emotional reserves until you feel you have nothing left to give, even to yourself.
The emotional exhaustion from compassion fatigue creates a feedback loop, increasing nurse burnout symptoms such as irritability, detachment, and emotional depletion.
Self-Assessment Questionnaire
Use this self-assessment to evaluate your risk of compassion fatigue. Add up your scores to determine your tier.
I feel dread when I think about working with certain patients.
Often (3), Sometimes (2), Rarely (1)
I have trouble feeling empathy toward patients or their families.
Often (3), Sometimes (2), Rarely (1)
I use sick days more frequently than before.
Often (3), Sometimes (2), Rarely (1)
I have lost joy or excitement in my work.
Often (3), Sometimes (2), Rarely (1)
I experience mood swings or emotional instability.
Often (3), Sometimes (2), Rarely (1)
I feel restless and have trouble relaxing, even when I’m not at work.
Often (3), Sometimes (2), Rarely (1)
I am more irritable or sensitive than usual.
Often (3), Sometimes (2), Rarely (1)
I feel anxious or overly worried about work-related matters outside of work.
Often (3), Sometimes (2), Rarely (1)
I rely on substances (smoking, alcohol, medications, etc.) more than I used to.
Often (3), Sometimes (2), Rarely (1)
I experience physical symptoms like headaches, stomach issues, or muscle tension that I associate with work stress.
Often (3), Sometimes (2), Rarely (1)
Results
Low Compassion Fatigue Risk (10-16): You’re managing the emotional and physical demands of your job well. Keep practicing healthy coping mechanisms and monitoring your mental health.
Medium Compassion Fatigue Risk (17-23): You may be experiencing early signs of compassion fatigue. Reflect on areas where you can introduce self-care or professional support. Prioritize taking steps to address signs before they worsen.
High Compassion Fatigue Risk (24-30): You are at significant risk of compassion fatigue. Consider seeking professional help, making use of peer support groups, or temporarily stepping away from work to recharge.
Nurse Burnout Bootcamp
It’s frustrating to experience compassion fatigue from nurse burnout, because it often feels like the systems that should be supporting you as a nurse are failing you. Even though it’s unfair, nurses often have to take matters into their own hands when addressing their burnout.
Consider this three-pronged approach:
Add relaxation activities. An article from the Online Journal of Issues in Nursing suggests activities like yoga class, massage, meditation, or tai-chi. Look for ways to sprinkle these into your routines.
Reignite your passions. Make sure you have something outside of work that brings you joy and carve out time for it. Whether it’s soaking in reading a bedtime story with your kids, learning more about nature photography, or planning an upcoming vacation, you have something to look forward to.
Debrief. Don’t try to tackle your nurse burnout and compassion fatigue alone. Find a debriefing session, peer counselor, therapist, or mental health profession who you can talk to about your experiences.
Final Thoughts
If you’re experiencing compassion fatigue or nurse burnout, you aren’t alone. If you need help with your compassion fatigue, don’t hesitate to talk to a mental health professional today and invest in your well-being.
Wearing comfortable, stylish scrubs from Moxie Scrubs is also part of self-care on the job. When you're in high-stress environments, breathable, durable scrubs help you stay focused and feel confident. Your comfort and resilience matter as much as the care you provide.
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