Office for Research Protections | IACUC
July 13, 2024
Penn State’s IACUC program introduces a new website with resources on compassion fatigue for researchers, veterinarians, animal care staff, and others involved in animal care and research. Compassion fatigue is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that can occur in individuals who dedicate their careers to caring for others. While compassion is a vital trait for those in helping professions, such work can take a toll on even the most dedicated individuals.
At Penn State, we recognize the unique challenges faced by those involved in animal care and research. Repeated exposure to animal illness, injury, euthanasia, or ethical dilemmas can lead to compassion fatigue, impacting both personal well-being and professional effectiveness.
The new website aims to increase awareness of compassion fatigue, its signs and symptoms, and to provide resources to help Penn State researchers identify and address this often-hidden risk. The website provides information on internal and external resources, as well as a self-assessment tool.