Fatigue Resources

Providing compassionate care to those who are sick and suffering is considered by many nurses as not only a privilege, but also an incredibly rewarding experience. Unfortunately, this emotionally, physically and intellectually demanding work can overwhelm a nurses’ psychological resilience to tolerate patient distress (Gilbert, 2009), making them more vulnerable to compassion fatigue (CF).

Anne Williams explores the issue of cancer survivorship from the perspective of women who have undergone breast cancer treatment. The article examines three specific aspects relevant to breast cancer and its treatment: fatigue; psychological distress; and lymphoedema. It considers the implications for health professionals such as community nurses in supporting women who are living with and beyond breast cancer.

Anne F Williams, Macmillan Teaching Fellow, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh, EH11 4BN

Article accepted for publication: October 2011