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Audrey
Student
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How do you manage the negative effects of nursing?
How do you cope and manage the trauma encountered? From pediatric cancer patients to trauma and respite care. What have you found to be the most helpful tools to manage your personal feelings, especially empathy when treating patients in these settings?
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3 answers
Carrie Easley
Pharmacist
5
Answers
Little Rock, Arkansas
Updated
Carrie’s Answer
I'm not a nurse but I have been one of the people who comes running when something is very wrong, including in a pediatric hospital. Supportive colleagues you can talk it out with are an important resource and some hospitals have a formal debriefing for people who were there to talk it out. That can help, especially if you feel like you didn't respond perfectly. No one responds perfectly.
Over time, you do learn to compartmentalize these experiences and different people are more troubled by different aspects of it. It's important to know yourself and respect your limits. Personally, I struggled with pediatric trauma patients and that pushed me back into primarily adult medicine, where I'm much more able to cope with what is thrown at me.
Above all, take care of yourself. I have hobbies that I really enjoy and sometimes after a hard day, I just bury myself in one of those for a little while. You can't take care of anyone else effectively if you don't make sure you're ok first. (I think of it like the safety speech on a plane before you fly: if there isn't enough oxygen and the oxygen masks drop, you have to put your own mask on first before you help the people around you or else you won't really be able to do either.) Maintain good relationships and things that bring you joy.
Over time, you do learn to compartmentalize these experiences and different people are more troubled by different aspects of it. It's important to know yourself and respect your limits. Personally, I struggled with pediatric trauma patients and that pushed me back into primarily adult medicine, where I'm much more able to cope with what is thrown at me.
Above all, take care of yourself. I have hobbies that I really enjoy and sometimes after a hard day, I just bury myself in one of those for a little while. You can't take care of anyone else effectively if you don't make sure you're ok first. (I think of it like the safety speech on a plane before you fly: if there isn't enough oxygen and the oxygen masks drop, you have to put your own mask on first before you help the people around you or else you won't really be able to do either.) Maintain good relationships and things that bring you joy.
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Audrey, first off—huge respect for being in a field where you’re literally there for people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Because I have been and am and it is a rewaeding positiom if youbhave passion and desire.
Truly if many look, Nursing is tough, no doubt, and it takes a lot of heart, so let’s talk about how to manage those heavy feelings that come with the job—because, yeah, it’s a lot sometimes but remmeber with passion alond you can scoup away any challenge at your way.
The Empathy Rollercoaster, EMPATHY!
Let’s be real, now, working with kids fighting cancer or trauma patients can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. You’re constantly riding high on hope, but then you’re also at the bottom with grief and frustration. It's tough, and it’s normal to feel all the feels. But here’s the thing: you’re not alone. Even though you're offering comfort, it’s okay to seek comfort too. Talking it out with other nurses, friends, or a mentor can help lighten that emotional load. And hey, sometimes a good laugh or a ridiculous meme from a coworker can work wonders.
Boundaries, yep important, and well, can cause either good or bad emotions but you gotra keep the boundary pal.
This is a big one. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the patient’s story and take it all home with you. But setting some emotional boundaries is key. Think of it like you’re a superhero—you have all the empathy and care, but you also need to protect your “real-life” self so you don’t burn out. For some nurses, this means leaving the emotions at the hospital door when they clock out. For others, it might involve taking a mental moment to reset and not over-identify with every patient’s situation. There’s a healthy middle ground between being compassionate and not losing yourself in every case.
Vent, but in the Right Place🙂
Sometimes, you just need to let it out. Find a trusted colleague, counselor, or even a support group. Talking about a tough case or a particularly heart-wrenching moment can be like taking a pressure valve off. It’s cathartic. But avoid bringing that emotional burden home. You don’t want to take your work home, even if it’s tempting to tell your loved ones all about that one patient who broke your heart.
Self-Care, and I’m Not Talking About Bubble Baths
Self-care is non-negotiable. Yes, you might want to do the whole bath-and-chocolate thing (who wouldn’t?) but make it a habit. Get enough sleep, because a tired nurse is a grumpy nurse. Get in the gym, go for a walk, do something that gets you out of that headspace. When you’re physically healthy, you’re better equipped to take on the emotional demands of nursing. Plus, a little “me-time” recharges your batteries for the next shift.
And let’s be real—sometimes it’s okay to seek out professional counseling. It’s not a weakness, it’s a strength. Mental health is just as important as physical health, so don’t hesitate to talk to a therapist when the emotional weight starts feeling too heavy. The more you take care of yourself, the better you’ll be for your patients.
The Pros and Cons
Pros? Well, you make a real difference in people’s lives. You’re giving them hope, comfort, and care when they need it most. Plus, you’re building resilience and learning tough life lessons every day—like that time you had to stay calm during a chaotic situation (you’re basically a ninja at this point).
Cons? It can get emotionally exhausting, especially when you form bonds with patients and then have to let go. It’s hard not to take on their struggles, and burnout can sneak up on you if you’re not careful.
But here’s the big takeaway: You’re not just a nurse, you’re a rockstar. The fact that you care this much about managing your own emotional health means you’re already ahead of the game. Just keep balancing your compassion with boundaries, and don’t forget to hit reset when you need it. You’ve got the heart and the skills to keep making a difference—just remember to take care of you too!
Truly if many look, Nursing is tough, no doubt, and it takes a lot of heart, so let’s talk about how to manage those heavy feelings that come with the job—because, yeah, it’s a lot sometimes but remmeber with passion alond you can scoup away any challenge at your way.
The Empathy Rollercoaster, EMPATHY!
Let’s be real, now, working with kids fighting cancer or trauma patients can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. You’re constantly riding high on hope, but then you’re also at the bottom with grief and frustration. It's tough, and it’s normal to feel all the feels. But here’s the thing: you’re not alone. Even though you're offering comfort, it’s okay to seek comfort too. Talking it out with other nurses, friends, or a mentor can help lighten that emotional load. And hey, sometimes a good laugh or a ridiculous meme from a coworker can work wonders.
Boundaries, yep important, and well, can cause either good or bad emotions but you gotra keep the boundary pal.
This is a big one. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the patient’s story and take it all home with you. But setting some emotional boundaries is key. Think of it like you’re a superhero—you have all the empathy and care, but you also need to protect your “real-life” self so you don’t burn out. For some nurses, this means leaving the emotions at the hospital door when they clock out. For others, it might involve taking a mental moment to reset and not over-identify with every patient’s situation. There’s a healthy middle ground between being compassionate and not losing yourself in every case.
Vent, but in the Right Place🙂
Sometimes, you just need to let it out. Find a trusted colleague, counselor, or even a support group. Talking about a tough case or a particularly heart-wrenching moment can be like taking a pressure valve off. It’s cathartic. But avoid bringing that emotional burden home. You don’t want to take your work home, even if it’s tempting to tell your loved ones all about that one patient who broke your heart.
Self-Care, and I’m Not Talking About Bubble Baths
Self-care is non-negotiable. Yes, you might want to do the whole bath-and-chocolate thing (who wouldn’t?) but make it a habit. Get enough sleep, because a tired nurse is a grumpy nurse. Get in the gym, go for a walk, do something that gets you out of that headspace. When you’re physically healthy, you’re better equipped to take on the emotional demands of nursing. Plus, a little “me-time” recharges your batteries for the next shift.
And let’s be real—sometimes it’s okay to seek out professional counseling. It’s not a weakness, it’s a strength. Mental health is just as important as physical health, so don’t hesitate to talk to a therapist when the emotional weight starts feeling too heavy. The more you take care of yourself, the better you’ll be for your patients.
The Pros and Cons
Pros? Well, you make a real difference in people’s lives. You’re giving them hope, comfort, and care when they need it most. Plus, you’re building resilience and learning tough life lessons every day—like that time you had to stay calm during a chaotic situation (you’re basically a ninja at this point).
Cons? It can get emotionally exhausting, especially when you form bonds with patients and then have to let go. It’s hard not to take on their struggles, and burnout can sneak up on you if you’re not careful.
But here’s the big takeaway: You’re not just a nurse, you’re a rockstar. The fact that you care this much about managing your own emotional health means you’re already ahead of the game. Just keep balancing your compassion with boundaries, and don’t forget to hit reset when you need it. You’ve got the heart and the skills to keep making a difference—just remember to take care of you too!
Susana Appiah
MIDWIFE
98
Answers
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Susana’s Answer
Hello Audrey,
Managing the negative effects of nursing, particularly the emotional and psychological toll of working with patients facing severe illness, trauma, or end-of-life care, requires a combination of resilience, self-care, and professional support. Here are some effective strategies:
1. Emotional Regulation & Processing
Compartmentalization: While empathy is essential, learning to set emotional boundaries helps prevent emotional exhaustion. Recognizing what you can control versus what you cannot is key.
Journaling or Reflecting: Writing down your thoughts after a tough shift can help process emotions and provide clarity.
Therapeutic Outlets: Engaging in art, music, or other creative activities can help channel emotions constructively.
2. Support Systems
Peer Support & Debriefing: Talking to colleagues who understand the challenges can be incredibly validating. Many hospitals have debriefing sessions after difficult cases.
Therapy or Counseling: Seeking professional help, such as therapy or support groups for healthcare workers, can provide coping strategies.
Mentorship: Connecting with experienced nurses can help you gain perspective and learn effective coping mechanisms.
3. Self-Care & Wellness Practices
Physical Health: Prioritizing sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet can boost resilience.
Mindfulness & Meditation: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or even prayer can help you stay present and reduce stress.
Hobbies & Leisure Activities: Engaging in activities outside of work (such as reading, music, or sports) helps maintain a sense of identity beyond nursing.
4. Ethical & Emotional Boundaries
Recognizing Limits: Accept that you cannot save everyone, but you can provide comfort and care.
Professional Detachment: Balancing empathy with detachment ensures that you provide compassionate care without absorbing every patient’s pain.
Letting Go of Guilt: It's common to feel you could have done more, but accepting your best efforts is crucial.
5. Faith & Spirituality (if applicable)
If you are spiritually inclined, prayer or engaging in faith-based discussions can offer solace and help make sense of suffering.
6. Workplace Support & Advocacy
Seeking a Healthy Work Environment: Supportive leadership, manageable workloads, and mental health resources can significantly reduce burnout.
Engaging in Policy Advocacy: Becoming involved in nursing advocacy can provide a sense of purpose and a way to address systemic challenges.
Most Helpful Tools for Managing Empathy in Difficult Settings
Active but Controlled Compassion: Offering empathy without over-identifying with patients’ suffering.
Grounding Techniques: Simple practices like breathing exercises or stepping outside for a moment can help during high-stress situations.
Finding Meaning in Your Work: Focusing on the positive impact you make, even in small ways, can be uplifting.
Humor: Lighthearted moments with colleagues can help ease tension.
ince you're considering nursing, particularly in the areas of pediatric cancer care, trauma, and respite care, each of these specialties presents unique challenges and requires specific strategies for managing emotional strain. Here’s how you can cope in these settings: Pediatric Cancer Care Emotional Management: Balancing Empathy with Professionalism: Pediatric oncology can be heartbreaking, especially when children are fighting life-threatening conditions. One way to manage is by compartmentalizing your feelings—show compassion, but don't carry the emotional weight home. Connecting with Families: Be a source of support not just for the child but also for their family. Sometimes, just being present and offering a comforting word can ease the emotional load. Coping with Trauma: Celebrate Small Wins: Pediatric cancer care often involves long-term treatments. Focusing on the small victories (like remission or moments of joy in treatment) can provide emotional relief. Peer Support Groups: In pediatric care, having support from other nurses who understand the emotional complexity of the work is crucial. Some hospitals also have pediatric oncology support groups. Self-Care Strategies: Practice Emotional Distance: Practice detaching your emotions from the patient’s situation, especially in difficult or hopeless cases. Keep a boundary while maintaining the highest standards of care. Develop a Routine for Release: Make it a habit to leave work at work—engage in activities that help you release pent-up emotions (e.g., physical exercise, writing, or talking with friends). Trauma Care Emotional Management: Recognizing Burnout Signs: Trauma care is intense, and witnessing severe injuries can take a toll. It’s important to regularly assess your emotional and physical wellbeing. Focus on the Immediate: In trauma care, the focus is often on life-saving actions. Concentrating on the task at hand rather than the gravity of the situation can help maintain clarity and composure. Coping with Trauma: Debriefing with Colleagues: Discussing particularly distressing cases with colleagues can be cathartic. Trauma nurses often have a network to lean on for emotional support. Utilize Trauma-Informed Care Principles: Understand that both the patients and healthcare workers may be traumatized. Developing empathy without absorbing their trauma is key. Self-Care Strategies: Stress Relief Techniques: Engage in activities that help reset your nervous system, like yoga, deep breathing, or a quiet walk. Therapeutic Boundaries: Find a way to be compassionate without taking on the emotional burden. Remember, your job is to provide the best care, not to be a vessel for all their pain. Respite Care Emotional Management: Accepting the Nature of the Work: Respite care often involves end-of-life scenarios or caring for patients in their final days. It’s important to remember that your role is providing comfort, not saving them. Acknowledging Grief: If a patient passes away, it's normal to grieve, but allow yourself to grieve appropriately. Find closure by focusing on the care you provided. Coping with Trauma: Focus on Comfort, Not Cure: In respite care, the focus is on alleviating suffering and improving quality of life. Shifting your mindset to comfort and peace can help manage the emotional burden. Recognize Your Impact: Understand that providing respite care brings relief to both the patient and their family, even if it doesn't "cure" the illness. Self-Care Strategies: Embrace Your Role as a Comforter: The emotional load in respite care can be heavy, but recognizing the significance of the role can provide emotional resilience. You may be offering the greatest gift to a patient in their final days. Spiritual and Emotional Support: Often, respite care is paired with spiritual or emotional support for patients and families. Offering a compassionate presence or participating in those activities can be a release for your own emotional state. Overall Strategies for Managing Empathy and Trauma Boundaries Are Crucial: Practice setting emotional boundaries with your patients. You can care deeply for them but maintain emotional distance. Self-Reflection: Regularly check in with yourself emotionally. Ask, “How am I really feeling?” This can help you manage burnout and prevent compassion fatigue. Mental Health Resources: Make use of employee assistance programs (EAPs), counseling, or other mental health services. There’s no shame in seeking help as a nurse. Mindful Breathing: Using mindful breathing to reset between intense moments can help you process stress more effectively. By adopting these strategies, you can find ways to protect your emotional health while continuing to provide compassionate care to your patients.
Managing the negative effects of nursing, particularly the emotional and psychological toll of working with patients facing severe illness, trauma, or end-of-life care, requires a combination of resilience, self-care, and professional support. Here are some effective strategies:
1. Emotional Regulation & Processing
Compartmentalization: While empathy is essential, learning to set emotional boundaries helps prevent emotional exhaustion. Recognizing what you can control versus what you cannot is key.
Journaling or Reflecting: Writing down your thoughts after a tough shift can help process emotions and provide clarity.
Therapeutic Outlets: Engaging in art, music, or other creative activities can help channel emotions constructively.
2. Support Systems
Peer Support & Debriefing: Talking to colleagues who understand the challenges can be incredibly validating. Many hospitals have debriefing sessions after difficult cases.
Therapy or Counseling: Seeking professional help, such as therapy or support groups for healthcare workers, can provide coping strategies.
Mentorship: Connecting with experienced nurses can help you gain perspective and learn effective coping mechanisms.
3. Self-Care & Wellness Practices
Physical Health: Prioritizing sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet can boost resilience.
Mindfulness & Meditation: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or even prayer can help you stay present and reduce stress.
Hobbies & Leisure Activities: Engaging in activities outside of work (such as reading, music, or sports) helps maintain a sense of identity beyond nursing.
4. Ethical & Emotional Boundaries
Recognizing Limits: Accept that you cannot save everyone, but you can provide comfort and care.
Professional Detachment: Balancing empathy with detachment ensures that you provide compassionate care without absorbing every patient’s pain.
Letting Go of Guilt: It's common to feel you could have done more, but accepting your best efforts is crucial.
5. Faith & Spirituality (if applicable)
If you are spiritually inclined, prayer or engaging in faith-based discussions can offer solace and help make sense of suffering.
6. Workplace Support & Advocacy
Seeking a Healthy Work Environment: Supportive leadership, manageable workloads, and mental health resources can significantly reduce burnout.
Engaging in Policy Advocacy: Becoming involved in nursing advocacy can provide a sense of purpose and a way to address systemic challenges.
Most Helpful Tools for Managing Empathy in Difficult Settings
Active but Controlled Compassion: Offering empathy without over-identifying with patients’ suffering.
Grounding Techniques: Simple practices like breathing exercises or stepping outside for a moment can help during high-stress situations.
Finding Meaning in Your Work: Focusing on the positive impact you make, even in small ways, can be uplifting.
Humor: Lighthearted moments with colleagues can help ease tension.
Susana recommends the following next steps: