Nurses are being warned that if they do not look after themselves properly, they are at risk of suffering ‘compassion fatigue', which can lead to burnout.

According to Karen Brennan, director of selfcareforcarers.ie, a training organisation for people working in the caregiving field, at various stages of a nurse's career, ‘their role will become increasingly difficult, stressful, draining and emotionally upsetting'. When these symptoms become chronic, compassion fatigue may result.

Ms Brennan pointed out that nurses working in particular areas may have to witness the suffering of patients and their families on a daily basis. Dealing with their needs ‘can be very demanding emotionally'.

Symptoms of compassion fatigue can include a reduction in a nurse's capacity to empathise with patients and a deterioration in relationships with patients' families and colleagues.

Physical symptoms can include severe tiredness, back pain, stomach problems and headaches, while mental symptoms may include anger, anxiety, poor concentration, lack of motivation and a lack of interest in personal appearance.

Ms Brennan also pointed out that compassion fatigue can be accompanied by a desensitisation to the suffering of others.

"It attacks the very reason why caring people decide to work in a caring role in the first place," she explained.

Within the workplace, the issue can lead to poorer job performance, higher rates of sick leave and poor morale.

Ms Brennan said that many nurses may be nervous of raising this issue with their supervisors as they fear they will be considered unable to cope or not suited to nursing.

"However, the opposite is true in the majority of cases. It is the nurses who care the most and are very compassionate and empathetic in their work that are at the greatest risk of compassion fatigue," she insisted.

Ms Brennan called for more awareness of this issue, ‘followed by the development of skills on both a personal and professional level to achieve balance and retrieve a sense of wellbeing and job satisfaction'.

"Self-care planning - how you recharge your batteries - is critical to this. This includes practicing exercise, good nutrition, relaxation time, creative or play endeavours, time with friends and family and time alone," she added.

Ms Brennan made her comments in World of Irish Nursing & Midwifery (WIN), the Journal of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.