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
Disclaimer
The resources on this page may incorporate or summarize views, guidelines, or recommendations of third parties. Such material is assembled and presented in good faith, but does not necessarily reflect the views of the AANA. Links to third-party websites are inserted for informational purposes and do not constitute endorsement of the material on those sites, or of any associated organization.