Well, a lot has happened since my last blog post that’s for sure! Working for myself now, without guaranteed income, added stress to my life. I have been working day and night setting up my practice, putting systems and policies in place. All the while seeing patients daily. I am BURNED OUT! It is the Christmas holidays and I just want to sleep away the next few days. I have had NO motivation to put up a tree or do any shopping for that matter. I recognize compassion fatigue when I see it!

Recently, I started having difficulty sleeping. I was dreaming about my patients. Worrying specifically about two individuals. I care and sometimes I care too much! I don’t always know how to shut it off. Today I am going to relax with family and try to enjoy the holidays as much as I can before the New Year. I will spend some time resting, relaxing , and writing which is a great tool I use as a release. I will also pamper myself and sneak in a massage…….

How do you all deal/cope with compassion fatigue? Losing sleep over patients?

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) I belong to a private supervision/support group that is so valuable! I would like to see other nurses form these groups. Mine had helped me so much. I am looking forward to bringing this topic to my group next month.

I would love to hear from you all! Thanks for the support!

Be Inspired,

Lisa Marie Walsh, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC