Battling Compassion Fatigue

Professionals who care for people and pets can be susceptible to compassion fatigue, which severely impacts their ability to do their jobs.

A panel of professionals who work in health or therapeutic care, dental services, and veterinary services are presenting a program called  “Battling Burnout and Compassion Fatigue in Passion-Driven Professions” on Thursday, December 6 at Harcum College. The event begins at 4 p.m. and will be held in Academic Center Room 104. It is free and open to the public.

Panelists include Jim Foster (Harcum College Program Director, OTA), Robin Sylvis (Harcum College Dental Hygiene Professor/Certified Life Coach), Michelle Spencer (Psychologist/Photographer), and Kathryn Jennings (President & Founder, Day By Day Pet Caregiver Support). The event will be moderated by Kathy Anthony (Harcum College Director, Counseling Services)

According to the American Institute of Stress, compassion fatigue is caused by the emotional residue or strain of exposure to working with those suffering from the consequences of traumatic events. It can occur due to exposure on one case or can be due to a “cumulative” level of trauma. Burnout, on the other hand, is marked by emotional exhaustion and withdrawal associated with increased workload and institutional stress, NOT trauma-related. Both can afflict those in the caring professions.

The panel will address these topics: Signs of Burnout and Compassion Fatigue, Ways to Prevent Burnout and Fatigue, the Difficulty of Dealing with Grief Stricken Families, and the Impact on Family of Burnout and Compassion Fatigue.

Registration is requested at harcum.edu/lecture.