Contributions from Christian ethics and Buddhist philosophy to the management of compassion fatigue in nurses

Abstract

The aim in the article is to demonstrate how insights from Christian ethics and Buddhist philosophy can make contributions to the management of compassion fatigue. There are already helpful resources available that provide principles, tips, and practical guidelines for self-care. The approach here is centered on attitudinal, ethical, and philosophical issues. From the Christian tradition, the ethical principle of "equal regard" is employed. Equal regard is the notion that agape (disinterested, universal love) requires of a people that they love others neither more nor less than they love themselves. When the ethical principle that a nurse operates out of in her everyday life is self-sacrifice, self-care is much less likely to be set as a personal priority. From the Buddhist tradition, the principle of compassion with equanimity is engaged. The Buddhist ideal is opening oneself to the pain of the other while maintaining calmness or stillness of mind. It is contended that inculcation of this skill means that a nurse can be exposed to suffering without running down their store of compassion.

Qualitative study on the causes and consequences of compassion fatigue from the perspective of nurses

“…Thirdly, psychological, cognitive, and interpersonal manifestations appear, along with increased responsibilities, guilt, and excessive identification with the suffering of others, which can all lead to neglecting both personal relationships and teamwork (Marín‐Tejeda 2017; Mottaghi et al 2020; Nolte et al 2017). As a result, the quality of the care they provide and their job satisfaction decrease, while avoidance or distancing behaviours in the nurse–patient relationship become apparent (Pembroke 2016), as does an increase in absenteeism and an increased desire to quit the current position, or even to quit the profession entirely (Arimon‐Pagès et al, 2019; Jakimovicz et al 2018).…”

Altruism and the Difficult Patient

“…Lachman (2016) suggests that compassion fatigue is the “cost of caring” for others who are in emotional pain or who are experiencing trauma or suffering. Pembroke (2016) suggests that nurses need to build resilience by finding a balance between caring for others and caring for self-replenishing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual resources.…”

Nursing in the Church

“…126,127 There are many studies looking at religious and spiritual practices, and the potential positive impact these can have on nurses in helping to mitigate compassion fatigue and creating positive coping strategies around issues of self-care. 128 St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a 12 th century Christian monk, in his sermon Song of Songs, made the following statements about those in helping professions (he was speaking about priests and religious leaders, yet this applies just as well today to nurses and other health care providers):…”