Healthcare professionals are a unique and dedicated group of people who spend countless hours tending to the physical and emotional needs of others. They rely on their education and experience to make quick decisions, often in life or death situations, while remaining compassionate and caring during the most difficult circumstances. The hours are long, and the work is demanding, but they persevere because they care. It is well known that clinicians who care for the critically ill experience stress and grief. As a result, they face a high risk of burnout, moral distress, and compassion fatigue. Self-care is often thought of as selfish, or something that is only considered after the needs of everyone else have been met. When it comes to caregiving, the caregiver often comes last.
As a registered nurse, I have experienced symptoms of caregiver stress and have learned to recognize the signs and to incorporate practices that support my own health and well-being. It is my love for my profession and my colleagues that inspired me to create Healing for Healthcare Professionals, a program aimed at combatting stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue in in those who need it most. It is my intention to share information, helpful resources, self-care practices, and to hold space for professionals to safely share their own experiences. I plan to offer both online and in person classes incorporating physical yoga asana or postures, meditation, and other stress reducing practices . The classes will be tailored to the unique physical and emotional needs of those who work in the healthcare profession and will always be open to all levels of experience.
To learn more about caregiver stress and compassion fatigue, check out the following resources:
1) Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project
2) The Toll Of Being A Care Provider
3) Compassion Fatigue and Burnout in Nursing:Enhancing Professional Quality of Life
4)Unburdening Meditation for Healthcare Professionals
5) Want to join us for a free workshop for healthcare workers? Learn more here