Title: Compassion Fatigue & Healthcare Professionals: An Online Guide
Headings: Understand & Overcome Your Compassion Fatigue: An Online Guide
Understand & Overcome Your Compassion Fatigue: An Online Guide
Compassion Fatigue Basics
The Process: Steps to Fatigue
Clearing Up Terminology
Compassion fatigue is synonymous with secondary traumatic stress:
Compassion fatigue is not burnout:
Compassion satisfaction is the opposite of compassion fatigue:
Some symptoms of compassion fatigue mimic PTSD:
Vicarious Trauma shares similar symptoms with compassion fatigue:
Self-Assessment Questionnaire: Are You Vulnerable?
Additional Warning Signs and Symptoms
Developing a Self-Care Plan to Manage Your Compassion Fatigue
How to Avoid Compassion Fatigue: Preventative Care
1. Know that putting yourself first isn’t selfish
2. Create emotional boundaries
3. Find your support network
(Interview) A Nurse’s Experience with Compassion Fatigue
1. How/when did you first learn about secondary traumatic stress and compassion fatigue?
2. When did you know you were dealing with symptoms?
3. What are some steps you took to address compassion fatigue?
4. How long did it take to come out of that season?
5. How do you stay proactive to guard against compassion fatigue?
6. Are there particular resources you’ve sought out?
7. What advice would you give to healthcare professionals in a similar situation?
Resources to Take Action Against Compassion Fatigue

Content: Compassion fatigue is synonymous with secondary traumatic stress: These terms often get used interchangeably due to the similar meanings of each phrase. Secondary traumatic stress happens when individuals witness the suffering of others or observe the suffering of individuals experiencing trauma. By witnessing the trauma of others, individuals with STS begin to feel some of the same symptoms. Compassion fatigue is not burnout: Burnout typically results in displeasure from work or colleagues whereas compassion fatigue results from physical and mental exhaustion. If experiencing burnout, you may feel frustrated, angry, or cynical. If experiencing compassion fatigue, you may feel sad or numb. Compassion satisfaction is the opposite of compassion fatigue: Compassion satisfaction occurs when people feel excited and pleased by the work they do helping others.