Burnout and Compassion Fatigue

According to the April 2022  AANA Journal article on burnout, job satisfaction, and turnover among CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists during COVID-19, nearly 40% of members reported high levels of occupational burnout during the pandemic. Approximately 80% reported high levels of disengagement along with exhaustion. In addition, Spok, a global leader in healthcare communications, reports that 96% of clinicians have experienced burnout. Another damaging consequence is compassion fatigue, with nearly 40% of nurses reporting difficulty in empathizing with patients in 2021. 

Although there are similarities between the symptoms of compassion fatigue and burnout, Compassion fatigue is a state experienced by those helping others in distress and can develop due to exposure to another’s traumatic events. Burnout is a result of prolonged exposure to job stressors or work situations that are emotionally demanding but not trauma related. 

Tips to Combat Burnout and Compassion Fatigue 

• Use your time off.
• Reframe the way you look at work and try to find value in it. 
• Find balance in the other aspects of your life, including family, friends, hobbies, and volunteer work. 
• Get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat healthy foods.  
• Avoid being around negative people. 
• Limit the use of alcohol. For drug or alcohol concerns, call the AANA Helpline 24/7 at 800-654-5167. 
• Focus on your mental health. When feelings or symptoms affect your ability to function, get help from a professional. 

Burnout and Compassion Fatigue Resources 

• AANA Grief and Loss Virtual Program 
• Compassion Fatigue and Burnout Awareness 
• Dealing with grief video series 
• Top Tips from Nurses on Dealing with Burnout