Nursing is one of the most rewarding and respected professions. Increasing numbers of patients, combined with increasing complexity, have posed challenges in the workplace, placing nurses at risk of negative consequences (Neville & Cole, 2013). The negative consequences do not only affect nurses at work, but can also affect home life and health. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Nurses often care for others by putting their own needs aside. Nurses tend to have poor health promotion behaviors, putting them at risk of developing compassion fatigue (Neville & Cole, 2013). “Compassion fatigue is the final result of a progressive and cumulative process, caused by prolonged, continuous and intense contact with patients, by the use of self and by exposure to stress, which manifests itself with marked physical, social, emotional effects , spiritual, and intellectual changes that increase in intensity” (Neville & Cole, 2013). In a study completed by Mullen, he found that only 34% of nurses recognized compassion fatigue (Neville & Cole, 2013). Based on that number, Mullen deduced that nurses need to engage in self-help initiatives to avoid or manage compassion fatigue. Other nurses and colleagues should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue and help raise awareness among friends. Florence Nightingale stated that nurses should not undermine their own health (Neville & Cole, 2013). The implementation of health-promoting behaviors is linked to a decrease in compassion fatigue. Nurses who continue to give of themselves without taking time to recharge are less capable of caring for others (Stark, Manning-Walsh, & Vliem, 2005). Nurses must learn to recognize when stress levels are reaching breaking point. Patients are the priority, but nurses must also prioritize themselves. As stated previously, if nurses cannot properly care for themselves, it is very difficult to care for patients. Nurses must be able to recognize fatigue not only in colleagues, but also in colleagues and themselves. Burnout could be the result of stress. Stress is different from burning. Stress is involved in many pressures that demand too much physically and mentally from the person. Burn out is feeling empty and tired, emotionless and beyond caring about people and things. People who are experiencing burnout see no hope and are not positive in their current situation. If one is used to a lot of stress, one may not realize when burnout occurs. (Helpguide to Mental Health and Wellness, 2018) Research highlights that prolonged emotional exhaustion in nurses leads to cynicism, poor interpersonal relationships, and sometimes even an inability to function in a crisis. In essence, our brain tells us that we are not good enough or do not have the energy to reach a certain level, even if required by patients with more acute pathologies. This is discouraging and nurses cannot give their best to patients. (Spence Laschinger, HK, et al., 2015) Other burnout factors include lifestyle and personality. Burnout can also lead to drug use and alcoholism. (Mental Health and Wellbeing Guide, 2018). Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay,.2015.03.002