Virginia Sampson

Compassion fatigue or burnout is all too common among healthcare professionals and caregivers. For employers, it results in high employee turnover and health related absences. It also negatively impacts the quality of care provided.

On an individual basis, burnout results in, among other things, depression and a sense of isolation. Burnout interferes with the ability of the caregiver to be compassionate and caring when providing care. This can create a huge burden of guilt.

There are scientifically based information, strategies and tools for combating compassion fatigue and preventing burnout.

Compassion connects us together in caring and supportive communities.

What is compassion? It literally means “to suffer together” Social scientists define it as the feeling that arises when you witness another’s suffering and feel motivated to help relieve that suffering.

Really why do we care if we area compassionate or live in compassionate communities. If we want to thrive and succeed don’t we just need to work harder at our relationships and in the business world. I don’t see where compassion is going to help me personally get ahead. I’m Ok talking about compassion in church and I do some volunteer work to help those less fortunate. Why should I do more than that?

Well it turns out that being compassionate is good for your personally There are proven health benefits, psychological benefits and it leads to and increases happiness.

We all make excuses. Well I don’t know how to be compassionate. I just don’t have time or I don’t feel like being compassionate. There are very simple