Glossary
Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN) and Amy Ertwine
Burnout: A condition manifested physically and psychologically with a loss of motivation.
Compassion fatigue: A state of chronic and continuous self-sacrifice and/or prolonged exposure to difficult situations that affect a health care professional’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Harmful stress: Stress (also referred to as “distress”) not adequately self-managed resulting in physical, mental, and behavioral consequences.[1]
Mindfulness: Awareness that arises through paying attention, being on purpose and in the present moment, and being nonjudgmental.
Normal stress: Stress (also referred to as “eustress”) that does not have lasting consequences and is successfully managed by the individual who is experiencing it.[2]
Resiliency training: Educational sessions that foster feelings of mindfulness and sensitivity to self and cultivate professional development techniques that contribute to long-term engagement in the profession.
Self-care: Actions that individuals take to maintain health of oneself.
