Caring deeply for patients is rewarding, but it can also leave you feeling emotionally drained.
Compassion fatigue happens when constant exposure to suffering leaves you emotionally worn out, numb, or burned out. You might notice irritability, detachment, or emptiness at work.

Compassion satisfaction is the sense of fulfillment and purpose clinicians get from helping others. It comes from knowing your presence made a difference, even during tough times.

Supporting healthcare professionals means recognizing compassion fatigue and intentionally nurturing compassion satisfaction through team support, reflection, boundaries, and systems that care for caregivers. Compassion satisfaction often gets overlooked. How do you help your team reconnect with meaning during hard weeks?