Compassion Fatigue Impacts Nursing

The Wall Street Journal published an article on January 3, 2012, discussing compassion fatigue and the toll it can take on nurses and their patients. Compassion fatigue is defined as a “combination of secondary traumatic stress and burnout from increasing demands of nursing.” Symptoms may be physical or emotional and may lead to work-related concerns.

Large Percentage of Schools Lack Nurses

National Public Radio reported that “more than half of American public schools don’t have a full-time nurse, and the situation is getting worse as school systems further cut budgets.” Some school nurses cover several different schools. As she rotates among schools, one nurse has taught school staff how to handle certain emergencies in her absence.

Prominent Nurse Nominated to Lead Health Agency

On November 23, 2011, President Obama nominated Marilyn B. Tavenner, to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services within the Department of Health and Human Services. Ms. Tavenner currently serves as Principal Deputy Administrator to the same agency. Previously, Ms. Tavenner served as the Secretary of Health and Human Resources under former Governor Tim Kaine. Ms. Tavenner received her BS in nursing and MA in health administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. Current CMS Administrator, Donald Berwick, MD, announced his resignation effective December 2, 2011.