...We had just gotten off the taxi at the front gate to the apartment complex. We always were out and about visiting and participating in many adventures with many of my family members. In July, I went with my father, mother and brother to Poland for five weeks. As I stepped out of the door, I noticed sitting outside the doors of a little store was a man in ripped jeans and a stained polo shirt. The sleeve on his right arm was half cut off and his skin looked dirty, like he hadn’t had a shower in months. His hair was grey and it looked like he hadn't shaved in a while because his grey beard was grown out all the way down to his chest. When people walked by him, they usually ignored him and acted like they didn’t notice him, but he was the first thing I noticed. As I walked past him I had to hold my breath, but I didn't want to make that obvious to him. He smelled musty, like a mix of sweat, urine, and tobacco. I had to think of things that smelled good to prevent myself from gagging near him. Next to him on the ground was a half eaten box of cookies laying on a cut up blanket. On the other side of him was a can with some coins in it. He held a sign that looked like it was made out of a cardboard box. His sign said, “please help this homeless buying cookies, thanks.” It made no sense to me when I read it, partially due to the fact that it was written in Polish and my Polish reading skills aren’t too proficient. I couldn’t understand if he wanted people to buy the cookies...
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...If you look up compassion in the dictionary, you will see the following definition: A deep awareness of the suffering of another, coupled with the wish to relieve it. The construct of compassion is not clearly defined in psychological literature. Another definition of compassion is a feeling of sorrow or concern for another person's suffering or need, accompanied by a subsequent desire to alleviate the suffering. Compassion is felt as an emotion: a feeling that anyone may experience at some point in his or her lives. There are many instances where one may perceive specific conditions in which people will be more likely to feel compassion. There are also differences in the degree of an individual’s feelings of compassion, and that many people and cultures view compassion as a basic human value. If I see someone in pain or someone struggling, my first instinct is to help, to listen, to be there for them. I will be there if someone needs help, if someone needs an ear, if someone just needs another friendly person who can provide a simple thing: to acknowledge that they are here, and that their gripe is valid. I would rather live like that. It does not always make life easier for the listener, though. The Bible tells us of the many selfless and compassionate acts that Jesus performed during his time on Earth and His teachings to his disciples and followers about this topic. Jesus extends the virtues of mercy and compassion to us for our faulots, which may have resulted from the...
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...Another point that needs to be considered is our griever’s compassion towards his fellow co-worker, Mr. Butler. Knowing the uncomfortable relationship between him and Mr. Chevalier, who is the boss, our griever was concerned that Mr.Butler would have a possibility of losing his job although his intention was not realistically harming Mr. Chevalier. Our griever understood that Mr.Butler has been working hard for the university for 15 years and it would be unfair for him to be fired due to Under 7:4427: Compassion, it is written that It is a well-settled principle of arbitration law that a board of arbitration should not invoke its discretionary powers to mitigate a penalty on compassionate grounds alone. 1 …On the other hand, the view has also been expressed that if, at the end of a case, an arbitrator harbours any reasonable doubt as to the propriety of a sanction, then the grievor should be given the benefit of that doubt. In the past, similar cases have happened that we could relate to this problem. First case occurred in National Car Rental Inc. The greivor in this case left work without permission to drive company’s vehicle. However, it was found that greivor’s action was motivated by a legimate concern for the safety of a loved one who appeared to be in danger. Evidently, the arbitrator reinstated the grievor to his formal position. Another case that we could relate to occurred in St. Lawrence Seaway Company. The greivor got into an argument with the manager during the meeting...
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...COMPASSION FATIGUE and THE PATH to RENEWAL Presenters: Kathy Hoppe, D.Min. and Loretta Oldfield, RN COMPASSION FATIGUE and THE PATH to RENEWAL Presenters: Kathy Hoppe, D.Min. and Loretta Oldfield, RN 1. Introductions 3. Learning to Juggle 4. Most of us have trouble juggling. The woman who says she doesn't is someone whom I admire but have never met. Barbara Walters Most of us have trouble juggling. The woman who says she doesn't is someone whom I admire but have never met. Barbara Walters Juggling Misconceptions about Helping Others * I can fix the problem and everything will be ok. * If I care enough, everything will turn out right. * I have enough resources on my own to fix it. * The person I’m helping will appreciate everything I do. * I know what I’m getting into. 5. Definitions * Stress: the nonspecific response of the human organism to any demand placed upon it * Suffering: a state of severe distress associated with events that threaten a person’s intact state * Compassion: deep awareness of the suffering of another person along with the wish to relieve that suffering * Compassion Fatigue: A state of tension and preoccupation with an individual or cumulative trauma of clients as manifested in one or more ways including re-experiencing the traumatic event, avoiding triggers or feeling numb, or feeling persistent arousal. Or The natural consequence of stress resulting from caring for and helping...
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...Combating Compassion Fatigue Kadijatu Lewis Grand Canyon University: HLT.310V April 14th, 2013 Nursing is an emotional, physical spiritual and hard work. It is also rewarding and most times satisfying. Nurses witness pain and suffering of others daily, resulting in increase risk for emotional stress. Nurses also work under demanding conditions related to budget constraints, and short staff resulting in increase workload. Compassion fatigue is the last stage of compassion discomfort and compassion stress. The nursing profession does not provide adequate resources to help combat this condition, like other professionals who deal with similar situations. This paper will identify signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue and ways of combating them. Compassionate fatigue is an emotional, physical and spiritual exhaustion from witnessing and absorbing the problems and suffering of others. Compassionate fatigue usually affect selfless, caring and sacrificing nurses who are emotional attached to their jobs. It usually comes on gradually. It usually occurs when a caregiver attempts to give out more compassion and energy than they are getting in return. When we exhibit compassion fatigue, our natural human desire to help is significantly diminished (Frandsen, 2010) Compassion fatigue manifest itself in different ways, these include feeling of exhaustion and overwhelm with ones assignment before the start of shift, this feeling occurs...
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...Grand Canyon University - HLT 310V Spirituality in Healthcare February 20, 2011 Introduction A state experienced by those helping people in distress; it is an extreme state of tension and preoccupation with the suffering of those being helped to the degree that it is traumatizing for the helper. (Chapman 2007). Definition • Compassion : Sorrow for the suffering or trouble of others accompanied by the urge to help. • Fatigue : is physical and or mental exhaustion. Causes of Compassion Fatigue • Someone highly task and goal oriented. • • • • • A perfectionist. An individual who tends to be overly critical but cannot stand criticism. An inability to allow personal satisfaction. High personal expectations and exaggerated expectations of others. Someone whose work and "productive" activity is overvalued and provides the major source of self-esteem and pleasure (Dwyer, 2006) Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue • • • • Physical indications Psychological indication Spiritual indication Performance indication (Funk, J.R. n.d). Warning Signs of Compassion Fatigue • Exhaustion. • • • Detachment Depression. Disorientation • • • • • Change of work style Boredom and cynicism A sense of omnipotence Feelings of Being Unappreciated. Increased impatience and irritability (Funk, J.R. n.d). Physical needs of the caregiver • • • Diet Sleep Fighting Fatigue • • Exercise Relaxation (Chapman, 2007). Emotional needs of...
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...Week 5 1) Considering that burnout has been related to the amount and type of work done along with the type of work that you do or hope to do, are you at risk for burnout? Why? No, I do not believe that I am a candidate for burnout. I work with children and they change every year and there is never a dull moment so it doesn’t become monotone, boring, and repitious, which all is a clear description of burnout. 2) Describe some of the effects that secondary traumatic stress can have on professional capability. This can have detrimental effects on individuals, both professionally and personally, including a decrease in productivity, the inability to focus, and the development of new feelings of incompetency and self doubt. 3) Review the factors that contribute and explain burnout on page 89. Have you ever experienced these in your professional experience? I can honestly say that I believe everyone over some period of time experiences those symptoms or something similar to those symptoms. It is just a part of having a steady career that has to do with a repetitious field. How you handle the day to day or how you chose to see your daily career may make or break the fine line between a rut and burnout. Week 6 1) Describe some of the ways humor helps relieve stress related to trauma (physiologic and therapeutic.) I’ve independently read that laughing releases endorphins that help you calm and relieve stress. I have also learned that changing...
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...Healthcare providers are at increased risk for compassion fatigue (CF), which has also been called secondary traumatic stress, second hand shock syndrome, secondary stress reaction, and vicarious trauma (ABA, 2011). Compassion fatigue begins to become an issue when caregivers give too much of themselves to others and neglect to provide for their own needs. Neglecting one’s personal needs can be harmful, leading to destructive behaviors and patterns, such as over indulgence and increased sick calls. Over time the provider has a decreased ability to show compassion. This paper will discuss and describe compassion fatigue, warning signs of compassion fatigue, and discuss recovery options for those suffering from compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue is expressed as a form of burnout due to the intensifying emotional, physical, and psychological effects of being exposed to the stressful and often emotionally draining circumstances of our patients and coworkers while providing care. Coupled with our own stressors in our everyday lives can lead to spiritual exhaustion (Pfifferling & Gilley, 2000). Compassion fatigue may change the overall view of how the caregiver or nurse views their everyday life or society in general. Caregivers with compassion fatigue often expend a huge amount of care, energy and compassion to those they care for, but do not get enough support for themselves individually to replenish their depleted energy. It has often been said that caregivers make the...
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...witnessed. Compassion fatigue (CF) is the term used to describe this effect following the witnessing of such traumatic incidents. Introduction Compassion Fatigue: the causes, impact and solutions identified Compassion fatigue is a common stress disorder among healthcare providers. Registered Nurses are the ones mostly affected. Compassion fatigue has been defined as a combination of physical, emotional, and spiritual depletion associated with caring for patients in significant emotional pain and physical distress (Anewalt, 2009;...
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...Barbara Lazear Ascher in “On Compassion” believes that compassion is something that we learned and develop, not something that is embedded in our DNA. Compassion is a trait that we are born with. After all, would compassion even exist if one did not have it in the first place? In order for humans to survive, we had to naturally have compassion in order to survive on our own and as a race. When a human is born, their innocence to the world makes them naturally have an instinct of compassion and to help others. When can haul this behavior is hate. Hate is something that is learned overtime. A child has no hate in his or her’s heart until taught to by their environment. They are taught not to talk to a certain someone, or they are bad, or “I don’t...
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...Introduction “At a time when bullying is rampant, it makes more sense to build on the positive by instilling compassion and dealing with kids’ questions about the unfamiliar, rather than simply outlawing behaviours,” author Tim Huff. Tim Huff is the creator of a storybook and discussion guide, titled The Cardboard Shack Under the Bridge, that focuses on teaching elementary school students compassion for people who are homeless. The focus of the material is to encourage children to understand the people and stories behind homelessness in a hope to instil compassion, rather than judgement or fear. Furthermore, the hope of the program is that it encourages children to care deeply for their communities. We created an hour and a half interactive lesson for a Grade 1/2 class at Briar Hill Elementary School with the hope that it would give the children a new perspective on people who do not have homes to live in. The lesson started with us reading the story, The Cardboard Shack Under The Bridge, by Tim Huff, and asking the students many meaningful questions on their interpretations of the pictures and what it means to be homeless. They then rotated around four centres where they got to engage in activities that helped them develop empathy for people who are homeless. Rationale: A classroom that is built around democratic principles will look very different than the average classroom. Often teachers will take on more of the role of dictator than democratic leader which leads...
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...A Tool to Help Heath Care Professionals Cope A Tool to Help Heath Care Professionals Cope Compassion Fatigue Compassion Fatigue What is Compassion Fatigue? Caring too much can hurt. When caregivers focus on others without practicing self-care, destructive behaviors can surface. Apathy, isolation, bottled up emotions and substance abuse head a long list of symptoms associated with the secondary traumatic stress disorder now labeled: Compassion Fatigue. This used to be labeled as burnout and is a deep physical, emotional and spiritual exhaustion, which can include feeling actual pain. Caregivers such as nurses and physicians as well as families may become less empathetic and unable to give their all to their patients. Learning to recognize the signs and symptoms is the first step towards combatting this problem. Some Key Points * Compassion fatigue is a form of burnout that manifests itself as physical, emotional and spiritual exhaustion * To prevent or recover from compassion fatigue, take time for self-reflection, identify what's important and live in a way that reflects it * To sustain yourself at work, develop “principles of practice” — guidelines of personal integrity that articulate the parameters of your personal values. Commit to live and work within these principles. What is Compassion Fatigue? Caring too much can hurt. When caregivers focus on others without practicing self-care, destructive behaviors can surface. Apathy, isolation, bottled up emotions...
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...Furthermore we watched the DVD and it shown example of bad communication and how it can be so devastating and affect the patients negatively if they don't get the enough information about their illness and treatment. The Nurses and Midwifery Council (2008) recommend is very essential that the nurses are able to give patients, information, advice and a guideline about what is going on. Furthermore if patients are given enough information it will empower them as it reduces their concerns about the illness. We also discussed in small groups the definition of stereotype, prejudice discrimination and how they are connection between these words. Moreover in the group discussion we discussed how can easy lead to other, for instance, is very easy to certain group to be stereotype which can results poor care to their patients which leads be prejudice and then into discrimination. Therefore The Equality Act (2010) is law to protect people and is against the law to discriminate. http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/equalities/equality-act-publications/equality-act-guidance/individual-rights1?view=Binary access date on 5/2/13 I found watching the DVD beneficial as well touching. I felt that my self-awareness and communication skills already improved. It clearly highlights what patients really feel and want from the nurses. For example I have learnt that effective communication skills such as active listening, the right facial expressions and explaining what is going on will make...
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...immortalized in history books, but that does not mean that they are forgotten. They are remembered by their friends and family. And some special people are remembered by people they hardly knew. My grandfather was one of those people. My grandfather was a special man. What made him special? Why will he be remembered by not only friends and family but also by small acquaintances? It was because he was a very selfless and compassionate man. He put everyone before himself in every situation. This was a man who worked three jobs at a time to support his wife and six children. He struggled most of his life to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. But he did so with a positive attitude and a smile on his face. He didn’t just speak of compassion. Often he would let his children’s friends stay with them when their parents couldn’t keep them in their own home for various reasons. And though he wasn’t a rich man, he provided them with a roof over their head and food on the table, the same as he would do his own family. These children will remember the man who took them in when they had nowhere else to go. And he did not just speak of courage. He was enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Often he would treat me to stories of when he saved fellow shipmates from being thrown overboard in the middle of a typhoon. And when he pulled into the port of Nagasaki and saw the devastation that he described as “the only thing there was black ash as far as the eye could see.” The soldiers...
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...Yonatan Senehi 12/4/13 Ms. Dempsey English 21A Final Essay Compassion Emotional feelings between individuals are base on the mindset. Through development of thought for one another, dependent on the anticipation, can be eliminated for the positive or negative. Compassion is an emotion on which we share our feelings for one another. It helps those in need of moral support to be comforted. Compassion requires a person to actually think about someone else’s life vaguely or even in depth, depending on what the situation is. Unlike most emotions compassion requires a dual relationship between two people. Compassion shows how much one cares for another physically and mentally. The root of the word compassion comes from the Latin word Compassio which literally translates into “to suffer with” meaning that when one feels compassion, he is putting himself into the victims shoes and sharing his distress. Compassion is sacrificing ones own feelings and emotions to actually show his humility and sympathy for the ones he truly cares about. “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” –Jhon Holmes Gregory Boyle, a humble priest, shows his strength in the most powerful way a man could. His sympathy towards others shows his humility in the highest degree of any living human being. He teaches us that everybody really do have chances in the world no matter how badly they have fallen down. His desired duty in life is to bring gangsters from the...
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