Caretaker Interview
Burnout is defined as “physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress” (James & Gilliand, 2013). This term stems from people who were “burned out” physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. People who experience burn out may also have feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, negative self-concept, and a negative attitude towards work.
I interviewed Carrie Palmore, Bereavement Coordinator at AseraCare Hospice. Carrie expressed her experience with dealing with burnout. She expressed how got to a point with her job where she no longer wanted to go into work, and was feeling depressed. Although, Carrie’s job is very depressing to begin with, she gets a personal satisfaction out of what she does.
Carrie went over some different ways she could avoid burn out again in her career. She has taught to take-to-take more “me” time, and not overwhelming herself with so much at once. Carrie has learned to exercise more, get pedicures, massages, and swimming. In the hospice line of work, loosing patients is just what happens, and we cannot change that. Does this not only cause a human services worker to be depressed, but also can cause burnout more easily.
AseraCare offers their employees four weeks a year and the employees must utilize at least three weeks. They also get personal days that do not affect their vacation time. Carrie always tries to make sure she utilizes these days off and take time to herself or with her family.
Burnout arises when assertiveness-goal achievement intentions are not met. Compassion fatigue evolves when rescue-caretaking strategies are unsuccessful, leading to caregiver feelings of distress and guilt. With burnout and compassion fatigue, feelings of frustration, powerlessness, and diminished morale ensue. The impetus for burnout stems from conflict within the work setting. Conflicts can include disagreements with managers or co-workers, dissatisfaction with salary, or inadequate working conditions....