The hospice nurse tells the nurse manager that she used to enjoy providing care to patients nearing the end of life but recently she finds no joy in the work and oftentimes resents having to spend so much time with the patients and their families. The nurse manager is concerned that the hospice nurse is developing which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Symptoms of compassion fatigue are very similar to classic stress symptoms and include intense somatic illnesses, sleeplessness, helplessness, re-experiencing negative aspects of a patient's care, depression, and workaholism. Nurses may become detached, avoiding situations or specific persons that cause emotional stress. They may be increasingly irritable or angry, along with physically and emotionally exhausted. The inability to maintain a balance between empathy and objectivity occurs. The caregiver feels hopeless and has less ability to feel joy. The nurse manager should be concerned that the hospice nurse is developing compassion fatigue. Signs of caregiver burnout are similar to those of depression. The hospice nurse is not describing depression or conflict.

The Hospice Nurse Tells the Nurse Manager That She Used