Compassion fatigue inhibits an individual ' s ability to care , due to repeated exposure to strong emotions [ 9 ] . Working in environments with multiple compassion stressors – for example , a disgruntled client or the loss of a patient – can result in compassion fatigue [ 10 ] . VNs who take on extra shifts or go without time off will often find themselves developing symptoms of compassion fatigue , which can reduce their ability to cope with further emotional situations [ 9 ] .
Evidence from the medical sector shows that individuals working without a good support structure are more likely to display signs of compassion fatigue [ 11 ] . If VNs continue to be left to work alone with an overwhelming workload , there will be an increased risk of more VNs leaving the profession with mental and physical exhaustion .
Impact on patient care
It is fair to assume that , due to the shortfall in recruitment and retention , there will be times when VNs are working alone . The extensive range of tasks undertaken by a VN – including anaesthesia , assisting VSs , inpatient care and doing consultations [ 12 ] – are all essential to the running of the practice . However , VNs single-handedly managing this workload could lead to more of them succumbing
to burnout and / or compassion fatigue [ 5 ] . When mental and physical health suffers , so does patient safety [ 13 ] . The RCVS emphasises that VNs must provide optimal care , with the treatment given always being in the patient ' s best interest [ 14 ] . If a VN is managing this alone , there is a risk of corners being cut or errors made . One of the leading causes of workplace error is the cognitive limit of the individual [ 15 ] , which may be significantly compromised in a VN experiencing burnout and / or compassion fatigue as a result of managing an overwhelming workload .
VNs join the profession as passionate and caring individuals [ 16 ] . When overwhelmed , they may struggle to provide each patient with the same level of attention they would ordinarily provide ; for example , a post-anaesthesia patient may receive fewer checks as the VN may also be monitoring another patient under anaesthesia , or the VN may be unable to dedicate the appropriate amount of time to consultations , or could make an error when drawing up medication for a patient [ 17 ] . The RCVS also emphasises the need for VNs to work together , and with other members of the team ( Figure 1 ), to provide care for animals [ 18 ] . Being unable to provide a high standard of patient care impairs a VN ' s ability to uphold the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct [ 14 ] . Over time , patient welfare will be at risk , and it should be questioned whether sustained sole nursing can be justified .
Figure 1 . The RCVS emphasises the need for VNs to work together and with other members of the team .
50 Veterinary Nursing Journal