Bringing Sanctuary to Dialysis

Abstract

The demands of the chronically ill elderly population, underutilization of end-of-life care in dialysis, and the projected nursing shortage will have serious implications for dialysis staff care over the next decade. Little information exists regarding the effects of emotional labor on the dialysis staff and patient outcomes, or about effective programs that can be used to specifically address compassion fatigue in the dialysis unit setting. Masters–level social workers have the necessary training to facilitate in-center programs to reduce compassion fatigue symptoms, improve staff satisfaction and patient outcomes. The following article outlines a structured intervention aimed to address effective management of emotional labor experienced among dialysis unit professionals using the trauma-informed approach of the Sanctuary Model.