Resources and Tools - Questionnaires

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Compassion Fatigue Awareness Tools

Much has been said about health care provider burnout and the feeling of physical, spiritual and emotional exhaustion experienced by health care providers. Compassion fatigue is different from “burn out” and is associated with people in the helping professions.

This assessment tool does not diagnose or directly measure the level of fatigue you are experiencing. Based on your responses to the questions below, it indicates the extent to which you may be vulnerable to stress-related issues associated with the increasingly common phenomenon know as compassion fatigue.

Disclaimer: This awareness tool is intended to increase your self awareness of how life stress and career stress may be affecting you. This awareness tool is not to be used to diagnose any medical conditions. Should your assessed vulnerability be of concern to you consult with your physician. If you are concerned about the levels of stress in your lifestyle book an appointment to see a Hurst Place counsellor.

Instructions: Read each sentence carefully and select the response that best describes your actions.

1. I am happy in my work as a helping professional.
Cannot Say
Very Rarely
Occasionally
Frequently
Almost Always


2. I avoid professional roles or procedures that make me anxious or uncomfortable.
Cannot Say
Very Rarely
Occasionally
Frequently
Almost Always


3. My work with patients as a helping professional is a source of satisfaction.
Cannot Say
Very Rarely
Occasionally
Frequently
Almost Always


4. I feel disconnected from others (patients, family, friends, members, or peers).
Cannot Say
Very Rarely
Occasionally
Frequently
Almost Always


5. I fall asleep easily and rest soundly on nights prior to my work as a helping professional.
Cannot Say
Very Rarely
Occasionally
Frequently
Almost Always


6. I become agitated or have “flare-ups” or irritability for no obvious reason.
Cannot Say
Very Rarely
Occasionally
Frequently
Almost Always


7. When it comes to anxiety or depression, I am as responsive to my symptoms as I am to my patients.
Cannot Say
Very Rarely
Occasionally
Frequently
Almost Always


8. I believe I am doing enough for my patients.
Cannot Say
Very Rarely
Occasionally
Frequently
Almost Always


9. I have intrusive thoughts about my professional responsibilities.
Cannot Say
Very Rarely
Occasionally
Frequently
Almost Always


10. As a result of the pressures and demands of being a helping professional, I feel frustrated or discontent.
Cannot Say
Very Rarely
Occasionally
Frequently
Almost Always


11. Exposure to patient trauma or suffering is a source of ongoing distress for me.
Cannot Say
Very Rarely
Occasionally
Frequently
Almost Always


12. I am vulnerable to the negative emotions or reactions of patients and their family members.
Cannot Say
Very Rarely
Occasionally
Frequently
Almost Always


13. My dreams include aspects of the problems, conditions and fears of my patients.
Cannot Say
Very Rarely
Occasionally
Frequently
Almost Always


14. I am able to keep my personal or family life separate from my role as a helping professional.
Cannot Say
Very Rarely
Occasionally
Frequently
Almost Always


15. Worries about the problems of patients interfere with my ability to relax.
Cannot Say
Very Rarely
Occasionally
Frequently
Almost Always


16. I believe I am making an important contribution to the world as a helping professional.
Cannot Say
Very Rarely
Occasionally
Frequently
Almost Always


17. I feel overwhelmed by my responsibilities and work with patients.
Cannot Say
Very Rarely
Occasionally
Frequently
Almost Always


18. I am easily or unexpectedly startled.
Cannot Say
Very Rarely
Occasionally
Frequently
Almost Always


19. I compensate for feeling worn out by working harder or longer.
Cannot Say
Very Rarely
Occasionally
Frequently
Almost Always


20. The helpful professional I am today is the person I set out to become.
Cannot Say
Very Rarely
Occasionally
Frequently
Almost Always

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