In this episode of the Happy Nurse Podcast, Psychologist Shannon Swales joins me to discuss the realities of burnout, compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma and moral injury with a special focus on the unique risks faced by midlife women and nurses.
What We Cover in This Episode
- How midlife transitions and caregiving roles amplify stress and burnout risk.
- The difference between burnout, compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and moral injury.
- Early warning signs of each phenomenon and how to recognise them before they become debilitating.
- The systemic, cultural, and organisational factors driving emotional overload in nurses.
- Strategies for prevention and recovery, including self care, boundary setting, and seeking professional help.
Key Takeaways
- Burnout results from depleted resources and relentless demands.
- Moral Injury adds a layer of emotional and ethical pain when nurses can't uphold their own standards of care due to factors outside their control.
- Compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma impact empathy differently but can overlap with burnout and moral injury.
- Recognising and validating the emotional cost, and seeking both systemic improvements and personal support are critical.
Action Steps for Listeners
- If anything discussed in this episode resonates with personal experience, consider seeking dedicated resources or therapeutic support.
- Nurse Midwife Support (free - available 24/7) - 1800 667 877
- Nurse Midwife Health Program Australia (free - Mon - Fri, 9am -5pm) - 1800 001 060
- Blackdog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/the-essential-network/
- Share knowledge with colleagues to destigmatise these very real occupational hazards.
If you are interested in working with Shannon you can contact her via her website or socials.
Website - https://www.shannonaswales.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shannon.a.swales
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/shannonaswales
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonswales/
Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and experiences shared by guests on this podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are seeking support for your mental health or wellbeing, we strongly encourage you to reach out to a qualified mental health professional. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area immediately.
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