Health & Human Services, Enrichment, and Business and Management Enrichment Health and Human Services Business & Management

Compassion Fatigue

In recent years there has been a growing concern for health and human services providers who are consistently dealing with emotionally charged encounters. Compassion Fatigue is a syndrome that is distinct from the more widely known concept of Burnout, and its accompanying signs and symptoms include a sense of detachment, difficulty making empathetic connections with patients/clients and disruptions in one's personal relationships. The pace of clinical practice, and the requirement to make swift transitions from one situation to another require specific self-care measures. This workshop will explore:

  • the phenomenon of Compassion Fatigue
  • how to assess when one might be at risk
  • strategies for coping with symptoms of Compassion Fatigue
  • preventive measures

Participants will have the opportunity to assess their risk factors, and develop and evaluate strategies for remaining emotionally healthy in the long term.

Valerie Hart, Ed.D., APRN, BC, is associate professor of nursing at USM, where she teaches graduate courses in the advanced-practice psychiatric nursing concentration. She has maintained a private practice since 1980 and is past president of the Maine Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses Association.


Wednesday, November 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Registration has ended. Please browse courses for future offerings of this course.

$135 (6 contact hours/ 0.6 CEUs)