1. Compassion fatigue
Compassion fatigue has a vast impact on staff. It is prevalent in high stress helping professions where repeated incidences of traumatic events are experienced either first hand or vicariously through the patients/consumers who are served. When unrecognized and un-addressed, the symptoms of compassion fatigue can meticulously break down various aspects of one’s personal and professional life often manifesting in forms of physical, emotional, and mental health conditions.
There is a helpful website that provides an abundant supply of resources on the subject as well as a link to self-assessment tools.
2. Workplace violence
Those who work in a medical setting such as a hospital are surrounded by individuals who are dealing with some sort of crisis. Due to the fact that medical settings deal with some of the most fragile and volatile human experiences, the patrons and visitors are not always rational.
An interesting article provides concerning data on violence in the healthcare setting. Information includes findings of a recent study stating that “more than half of emergency nurses reported experiencing physical violence on the job” and that workplace violence against nurses are equal to that of police and correctional officers.
3. Exposure to illness and infectious disease
Luckily a great deal of training and precautionary measures are in place in medical settings to help reduce the risk of exposure. However, according to the CDC, healthcare workers continue to be at great risk with incidences of work related illness rated “among the highest of any industry sector”.
4. Staffing shortages
Staff shortage in the medical field is a recurrent problem with consequences that branch out on various levels impacting both staff and patient care and satisfaction. A substantial challenge that this issue creates is an overburdened workload to include extended work hours. As a result, burn out and reduced staff retention occurs further perpetuating the vicious cycle.
5. Salary dissatisfaction
Although there have been improvements in wage compensation over past years for professionals in the healthcare field, this area continues to be a topic of dissatisfaction for medical professionals. Concerns remain that salaries are not comparable to the many demands and environmental hazards facing workers.
In order to achieve the greatest benefits from a medical career it is important to have a clear and realistic understanding of the challenges. This will better ensure for a lasting and rewarding career and balanced home life.
