Care of professional caregivers: A review

Pages: 968-971
Harguneet Kaur and Anuradha Bhandari (Department of Psychology, Punjab University, Chandigarh)

Nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well in all settings. The profession of nursing includes the promotion of health, prevention of illness, care of ill, disabled and dying people, advocacy, promotion of a safe environment, research, participation in shaping health policy and in patient and health systems management ,and education” (International Council of Nurses, 2017). Nurses are an epitome of care. According to Stamm (2010), nurses derive pleasure by providing care to patients and by contributing to the larger good of the society. However, there are negative effects of caring which can have mental and emotional impact on nurses (Hooper, Craig, Janvrin, Wetsel, & Reimels, 2010). These adverse consequences of working with traumatized populations can be manifested in the form of burnout and compassion fatigue (Figley, 2002). Nurses have a longstanding history of witnessing the tragedy experienced by patients and families; however their own reactions to profound loss and premature death have not been systematically addressed. Unregulated compassion fatigue effects the quality of care provided by nurses (Boyle, 2011). Burnout and secondary traumatic stress are a cause of concern for mental health administration as the organization can function properly only when the staff is healthy (Rudolph, Stamm, & Stamm, 1997). This makes it essential to care for the caregivers who selflessly provide unrivaled and immeasurable care to people. This paper is a review of self-care practices, ways and coping mechanisms directed toward the enhancement of compassion satisfaction and reduction of burnout and compassion fatigue, consequently improving the professional quality of life of nurses.