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COMPASSION FATIGUE
AN UNHURRIED LIFE
Following Jesus' Rhythms of Work and Rest
By Alan Fadling
199 pp., Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2013, $16.00, paperback; $10.60 eBook.
Review: From the moment I opened this book, I knew I needed to read it; I wanted to read it. Fadling quickly exposes a critical problem of our fast-paced culture-our need to habitually live as busy people, believing busyness makes us important. He asks the question, "Was Jesus hurried?" Or did he live his life relaxed, staying closely in tune with and following his Father? Fadling suggests that "Jesus was engaged and active, but unanxious and unhurried" (p. 60). Fadling shows us through Jesus' example that being unhurried isn't being lazy or the opposite of productivity. To the contrary, we can be most productive when we are living our lives in a "pace of grace" (p. 10), which is neither too fast nor too slow but with God's careful guidance. When we are unhurried, we hear our thoughts and can better sort through what is God speaking and what is from the enemy. Rather than being driven, we become unhurried enough to truly care, a real plus for nurses! Fadling teaches about real rest, about trusting in God's value of me and guidance of my life, about letting go of "have tos" and letting "want tos" surface (p. 117), about understanding that both work and rest are gifts from God.
This is an enjoyable book that's easy to read and speaks deeply to the heart. Fadler's openness about his struggles and addiction to a frenetic life drew me in. His suggestions to "walk with Jesus rather than running for him" (p. 14), to help us "learn to slow down enough to listen to God rather than running past him" (p. 166), are practical and realistic. I wrote more about An Unhurried Life and its impact on compassion fatigue in my editorial (p. xx). I hope you'll take the time to get this book and read it. It's a life changer.-KSS
Going Deeper
Going Deeper helps you dig deeper into JCN content, offering ideas for personal or group study with other nurses-great for NCF groups! Previous issues of Going Deeper are available free online at http://journalofchristiannursing.com under "JCN Extras."
* Nursing on Empty: Compassion Fatigue: Read Harris and Griffin, pp. 80-87.
1. How do the authors differentiate between compassion fatigue and burnout?
2. What interventions are suggested to address compassion fatigue? What is the first step?
3. Read the biblical account of Elijah in 1 Kings 18:20-19:9. Based on this article, assess and diagnose him with compassion fatigue or burnout.
4. Examine your life and nursing practice. Where do you need rest and refreshment? What steps are you taking toward self-care?
* FaithCommunityNursing: Read Ziebarth, pp. 88-93.
1. The author suggests five responses to why an FCN program is valuable. Name the five points.
2. How do margin and mission factor into faith community nursing?
3. Read Matthew 16:27 and Colossians 3:23-24. Relate these five reasons to the value of an FCN program.
* MedicalFutilityandEnd-of-LifeCare: Read McCroskey, pp. 94-97 and Harrah, pp. 98-99.
1. How does preparing for death help patients and families, as death approaches?
2. Describe the most peaceful death you have witnessed. Contrast it with the most restless. What seemed to be significant factors in how death was approached?
3. Discuss: The author's statement: "Death is a part of life." See Ecclesiastes 3:1-2.
4. What do patients need to know as they near the end of life? How can you assist?