In the world of healthcare, both emotional responses are key aspects in their patients’ key recovery (Attree 2001). However, sometimes being exposed to extended hours of trauma and distress can strain the emotional capacity amongst frontline workers to help others and sometimes, even themselves. 

Being a caregiver can be immensely rewarding and provide a sense of meaning and purpose found in no other professions. However, this gratification can often come with a pretty heavy ‘cost of caring’, commonly known as compassion fatigue. In professions where empathy and caring for others is at the core of the practice, compassion fatigue has been recognized as a prominent occupational hazard. 

Compassion fatigue can be explained as being the feeling of impassive detachment and can affect cognitive functioning. The repetitive exposure to distress and the anticipation of negative social stimuli experienced amongst caregivers can inhibit the uptake of oxytocin.  

The reduction in oxytocin poses challenges to social cognitive processes and expression of empathy and sympathy towards others. 

Additionally, the exposure to secondary trauma can destabilise emotional valency. The overwhelming emotions subjected towards trauma can impair the decision-making abilities and emotional regulation of first responders. As such, this can hinder the quality of engagement between the patient and the caregiver.

Nurses have arguably one of the most demanding and time-consuming responsibilities. They are expected to provide daily assistance to both patients and their families all the while being exposed to high levels of trauma, loss, and grief. Unfortunately, these factors can leave nurses and first responders vulnerable to compassion fatigue.  

Signs of compassion fatigue are broad and vary. It’s important to try and keep track of your mental and physical health and address any warning signs before they develop into more serious issues.   

The importance of setting boundaries ensures that healthy interpersonal and professional relationships are maintained. In this line of work, boundaries act as a safety net and preventative measure which protects those in caretaker roles and the client   

To establish a set of boundaries, frontline workers may ask themselves:  

• “What do I feel comfortable doing and not doing?”  
• “What are my strengths?  
• “Are there things that bother me more than they should?” 

Talking to trusted friends and family can offer a sense of comfort and lighten the load of burden caused by caregiving. Additionally, conversing with colleagues who understand the pressures of caregiving can offer emotional relief and reinforce a sense of workplace community.  

Alternatively, professional support from therapists and specialised support groups for compassion fatigue can facilitate the creation of positive coping strategies and emotional support. 

Compassion fatigue presents a significant challenge for those in first responder and caregiving roles. Not only are healthcare workers responsible for their patients, but they also have a duty to care for themselves.  

The prolonged exposure to suffering and trauma can lead to emotional exhaustion, detachment, and impaired cognitive functioning. This can negatively impact the way caregivers interact with their patients.  

In light of International Nurses Day, this article aimed to outline the reality of compassion fatigue through the exploration of empathic cognition and morality within nurses. Healthy coping strategies act as preventative and proactive mechanisms which preserve the wellbeing of nurses, through setting boundaries, seeking social support, and practising self-care. To address the adversities caused by compassion fatigue, individuals and organisations should work together to ensure that compassionate and effective care is administered.