Definitions
Define the ABCs of compassion fatigue
A - awareness
B- balance
C- connections
What are the recurring thoughts called after witnessing or hearing about a traumatic case?
intrusive thoughts
Give an example of how you practice a good work-life balance
x
You cannot protect yourself if you want to work in an environment where you care for others
False! You absolutely can. Even though it doesn’t always seem this way, our society still promotes catering to others’ needs first. It’s important to realize caring for yourself is a way to protect your values and well-being so you can help others.
Physical & emotional exhaustion as a result of prolonged stress or frustration. This term is associated with feelings of hopelessness and difficulties in dealing with work or in doing your job effectively
Burnout
Name two risk factors for compassion fatigue that are related to your jobs in the Veterinary field
Out of the ABC's of compassion fatigue prevention which one is said to be the most important? A. Awareness B. Balance C. Connection
A. Awareness is the most important of the three because it functions as an early detection system.
Work-related trauma can be a combination of both primary and secondary trauma
True
____ is a combination of both burnout and vicarious trauma and is usually experienced in caregiver professions where you have both prolonged chronic stress at work and exposure to suffering
Compassion Fatigue!
Which of the following is NOT a symptom of secondary traumatic stress?
A. Sleeping problems
B. Irritability
C. Delusions
D. Increased use of / becoming dependent on substances
C. Delusions
Name three things you can do to strengthen your resilience?
adequate sleep, hydration, healthy peer connections
Washing your hands at the end of the day can symbolize washing away the day's difficulties
True
An element of Compassion fatigue, ______ is about work-related, secondary exposure to people who have experienced extremely or traumatically stressful events. The negative effects of this may include fear sleep difficulties, intrusive images, or avoiding reminders of the person’s traumatic experiences.
Secondary Traumatic Stress or Vicarious Trauma
If you are experiencing feelings of reduced empathy and sensitivity, what might you be suffering from?
compassion fatigue
Aside from VSW services, what are the three other resources available to assist you when faced with health-related work challenges (mental + physical)?
HR, EAP, Healthiest You
compassion fatigue is combined with secondary traumatic stress
true
This part of the nervous system engages in the "fight or flight" response
Sympathetic Nervous System
Lack of adequate social support is a risk factor for
burnout
Who can you reach out to for any HR-related needs?
Caitlin Dabrieo
ckerrigan@mspca.org
Taking a vacation or a long weekend is a great way to cure burnout
False - while you should definitely utilize your vacation/personal time, research shows that vacations don’t “cure” burnout. While burnout levels do decrease during vacation, they often return to pre-vacation levels within a week or two after returning to work.