Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

Burnout is characterized by physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can result from prolonged exposure to stress, especially in high-demand settings like emergency nursing. Compassion fatigue, though similar with emotional resonance, specifically refers to the profound emotional and physical erosion that takes place when caregivers are unable to refuel and regenerate. Secondary traumatic stress is the stress resulting from helping or wanting to help a traumatized or suffering person, while vicarious traumatization generally occurs when the caregiver internalizes the trauma experienced by their patients. So, while related, burnout is the broad term that best captures the essence of long-term professional exhaustion.