ABSTRACT

There is an immediate need in Healthcare and the Nursing Community to

understand the deleterious effects of Compassion Fatigue (CF) among Registered
Nurses (RNS) in a number of practice settings. Compassion Fatigue is
PREVENTABLE! CF being a relatively new term, the purpose of presenting this topic
is to raise awareness among Canadian RNs about CF through defining CF, who is at
risk, contributing causes, warning signs, affects on nursing practice, and explore
strategies to help overcome and prevent CF. Considering the current RN shortages
and predicted workforce shortfall in the coming years, awareness about CF and its
effects on RNs and their practice is paramount in helping to retain and recruit a
healthy RN workforce in Healthcare. Co-existent is the need for establishing a
supportive RN occupational network/coalition to advocate, monitor, and promote a
wellness initiative of "Work Healthy, Work Smart". Additionally, a conceptual model
connecting nurse, patient, and agency is presented to illustrate how each is
intricately connected and why RNs are at risk of developing CF. Lets not lose one
more RN in Healthcare or the Nursing Profession due to the deleterious effects of
CF- caring that hurts TOO much to care anymore!
Words: 195
Canadian Nurses Conference in Halifax June 7-9. Submitted December 10, 2009.