Compassion Fatigue 101

Thursday, May 29, 2025 • 12 pm to 1 pm

Virtual

Training Sessions

Abstract

Charles Figley defined compassion fatigue as “the cost of caring,” but what does that mean, who is most prone to it, and what do we do about it? Compassion fatigue increases the likelihood that someone will consider leaving their job, reduces professional effectiveness by limiting empathic engagement, and tends to coincide with other stress responses, including vicarious trauma, burnout, mental illness, and substance use. Compassion fatigue and comorbid responses to professional stress also tend to diminish team cohesion and effectiveness and increase the likelihood that more team members will leave their jobs, especially on highly interdependent teams. Rachel uses an affirming and dignifying approach to normalize the occurrence of compassion fatigue without minimizing its impact on professionals and, in turn, our clients.

Objectives

  • Define and describe the stages of compassion fatigue and the associated symptoms
  • Share practical suggestions for the relief and prevention of compassion fatigue
  • Validate attendees’ experiences and affirm hope for recovery from compassion fatigue

Accreditation

PHYSICIAN (CME)

The University of Pittsburgh designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

NURSING (CNE)

A maximum of 1.0 nursing contact hours will be awarded. Participants will be able to claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the program.

SOCIAL WORK

As a Jointly Accredited Organization, University of Pittsburgh is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. University of Pittsburgh maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive 1.0 continuing education credits.

Psychologist (APA)

Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs.

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