I really appreciate this question in these very unusual times. During this pandemic, nurses are being pushed to edge with increased volumes, workload and a multitude of various stressors. 

<h2>Hank’s Response:</h2>


 I really appreciate this question in these very unusual times. During this
 pandemic, nurses are being pushed to edge with increased volumes, workload and
 a multitude of various stressors. Death is seen daily, family are not allowed
 to visit, our own coworkers are sick with COVID, and we have had to say our
 final goodbyes to some of our closest colleagues. As nurses, we have been
 giving and giving. We try to be strong and deliver the best care possible no
 matter what the conditions are because that is what we are called to do. But,
 all of this does take a toll on us emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
 This we cannot deny! You may be suffering from what is called compassion
 fatigue.



 Taking steps to reduce compassion fatigue must be deliberate and intentional.
 We need to refill our own personal tanks so we can care for others in need of
 our services and our skills. This begs the question, what is your outlet? What
 do you do to care for yourself? Now, honestly answer this question! What is it
 that you, do for you?



 This answer to this question varies and you need find what works best you. It
 may be in the form of self-care, relaxation, mediation, journaling, other
 creative expression, dance, exercise, biking, hiking, spiritual time or time
 out with friends. Sometimes, it can be helpful to talk to or even cry with a
 fellow nurse who understands the toll it takes on you personally when you are
 holding a patient&rsquo;s hand and being there with the patient at the time of
 death. Those events we carry deep in our souls for a lifetime.



 The first step is to recognize that you have compassion fatigue. Start making
 small changes for you and your physical and emotional health. This will flow
 over into patient care. Because a healthier you are leads to you performing
 better under stress.



 This is the year of the nurse. I believe it is also the year for nurses to
 care for one another! If you see a coworker suffering from compassion fatigue,
 be supportive and encourage them to take &ldquo;me time.&rdquo; Compassion
 fatigue can be significantly reduced through self-care and small changes in
 the organization&rsquo;s nurse culture. Be a change agent for nursing. It
 begins with you!



 From the entire Executive Team at Cross Country Healthcare, thank you! Thank
 you for being our heroes and our frontline warriors. We are truly indebted to
 each of you for your service and your unwavering devotion to our nation in
 time of great need.


Happy and Blessed Nurses Week! Please take time for you.


 I look forward to more questions from our nurses. Our goal is to make you
 successful. Please
 <a href="https://www.crosscountrynurses.com/ask-hank"
 >submit your questions here</a
 >. Remember: no question is out of order - send them all my way!



 Always remember the words of Florence Nightingale: &ldquo;I attribute my
 success to this - I never gave or took any excuse.&rdquo;



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 >Submit Your Questions</a
 >

Cross Country Nurses

I feel tired and stressed out lately, and know I should address it; but as a nurse, I feel like right now is the wrong time for me to take a break from things. I don’t want to let my coworkers or patients down. What should I do?