Antidotes to Burnout: The Art of Staying Inspired Chaplain David Carl Executive Director Spiritual Care AVP Patient Experience Carolinas HealthCare System The Problem • Burnout • Compassion Fatigue • Secondary Trauma • Secondary Traumatic Stress • Secondary Victimization • Vicarious Traumatization • Secondary Survivor • Denial • Organizational Collusion 1/10/17 2 Symptoms • Hopelessness/Despair • Decrease of pleasure • Consistent, persistent stress and anxiety • Sleeplessness, too much sleep, nightmares • Pervasive negative attitude • Decrease in productivity • Inability to focus • Feelings of incompetency • Increased self-questioning/ self-doubt 1/10/17 3 Symptoms (cont’d) • Pull away and isolate self from others • Excessive voicing of complaints • Appear sad, apathetic, without energy • Less attention to physical care/ poor hygiene • Difficulty with focus and concentration • Moral distress ongoing • Feelings kept inside • Compulsive behaviors (overeating, spending, gambling, substance abuse, promiscuity, addictions) 1/10/17 4 What Can We Do? • If Compassion Fatigue and Burnout drain out all of our inner energy and compassion… • Then… • We have to be all the more deliberate about infusing compassion and joy into our lives. • Just like if when we are de-hydrated it is essential to get re-hydrated. 1/10/17 5 • Many of us are already doing this to some degree… • What are some of the ways you rejuvenate yourself that you do presently? • What do you do now that brings you a sense of joy and well-being? 1/10/17 6 The Art of Staying Inspired • Intentional practice of self-compassion/ self-care • Take deliberate breaks from work • Breath Work/ Breath Prayer • Physical exercise • Enjoyable recreational activities • Establish clear, professional boundaries • Accept the truth that successful outcomes are not always achievable (cure) but healing is always possible • Create/ maintain social support (people and pets) • Spiritual practices (rituals, forgiveness, meditation, etc.) 1/10/17 7 Practical Approaches • Pause • Take a breath • Check in and be observant with colleagues • Go beyond empathy and practice compassion • Debrief emotions as well as clinical process in review • Talk/ Do not isolate or suppress • Seek out a confidant/small group (POTT) • Massage • Healing Touch/Reiki/Energy Medicine • Music 1/10/17 8 Artful Approaches (cont’d) • Aromatherapy • Guided Imagery • Mindfulness • Be compassionate with others (in mind and actions) • Share compassionate stories (Neuroscience) 1/10/17 9 Compassion Champions • Recognize that Burnout and Compassion Fatigue are real and start practicing self-care. • Also watch out for their teammates to see if symptoms of Compassion Fatigue and Burnout are surfacing. • Actively promote a compassion of culture in the workplace (Lavender Fridays, Pet Therapy, Chair Massage, Blessing of Hands, etc.). • Keep a log of their activity for 6 weeks and turn that into LiveWell to get an incentive. 1/10/17 10
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