Compassion Fatigue Compassion fatigue is a growing problem for professional nurses and healthcare workers. When nurses witness pain, fear, illness, disease, and even death, they may begin to experience the same pain and suffering experienced by their patients. This can lead to compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue is a phrase used to describe “the stress of helping or wanting to help a traumatized person” (Tellie, 2008). It is often called secondary traumatic stress syndrome and can lead to a lack of empathy and caring emotions; two things necessary to effectively care for sick and suffering patients. In this article, the author will review the five concepts of compassion fatigue and their symptoms and warning signs, explain the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the caregiver, and identify coping strategies and resources available to caregivers. Warning Signs of the Five Concepts of Compassion Fatigue There are five main concepts of compassion fatigue: cognitive, emotional, behavioral, spiritual, and somatic. Because of the different ways compassion fatigue can affect each person, symptoms can vary but there are warning signs that can signal someone is suffering from compassion fatigue. It's important to be able to recognize the warning signs of compassion fatigue so you can properly take care of yourself before it becomes too late. Some warning signs associated with each concept are described below. Cognitive Cognitive warning signs can start subtly with small things like forgetfulness and decreased concentration, but can increase rapidly causing an inability to focus on work which can lead to poor patient care and even medical errors. Other cognitive warning signs include low self-esteem,...... middle of paper ......or effectively combating compassion fatigueReferencesBush, N. (2009). Compassion Fatigue: Are You at Risk? Oncology Nursing Forum, 36(1), 24-28. Retrieved from http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rzh&AN=2010154574&site=ehost- live&scope=siteLombardo, B., & Eyre, C. (2011). Compassion fatigue: A nurse's primer. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 16(1), 1. Retrieved from http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/ login.aspx?direct=true&db=rzh&AN=2011048800&site=ehost-live&scope=siteTellie, M. (2008). Compassion fatigue: The cost of caring. Nursing Update, 32(8), 34-27. Retrieved from http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rzh&AN=2011038772&site=ehost- live&scope=site