"Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the second edition of Overcoming Secondary Stress in Medical and Nursing Practice explores the phenomenon of secondary stress experienced by clinicians on the frontlines of care. The book integrates concepts, assessment tools and self-care insights from the first edition with new concepts, evidence, strategies, and vignettes from the field concerning secondary stress experienced specifically by physicians, physician assistants and nurses. The findings and efforts of medical and nursing professional organizations to address and ameliorate endemic secondary stress are explored. Strategies for identifying, reframing, and intervening in stressful problems of practice, including wicked problems are also addressed. Tools for enhancing self-knowledge and developing a personal, self-care protocol to recognize and prevent secondary stress are the book's core feature. This book highlights the importance of interprofessional communication and support in ameliorating the stressors of clinical work, an effort enhanced by the book's interdisciplinary co-authorship. The extreme stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic on health care practitioners and the health care system illustrate the interconnectedness of health-enhancing personal self-care strategies, quality patient care, and renewed career commitment - the goal of this second edition"--.

Introduction : reaching out ... without being pulled down : remaining passionate in the fields of medicine and nursing, a guide to personal and professional well-being for physicians, physician assistants, and nurses -- Tacking on dangerous psychological waters : appreciating the factors involved in chronic and acute secondary stress -- Wicked problems in healthcare : identifying, reframing, sufficing, and forgiving oneself -- "Riding the dragon" : enhancing self-knowledge and self-talk in the health care professional -- Drawing from the well of wisdom : three core spiritual approaches to maintaining perspective and strengthening the inner life of the medical and nursing professionals -- The simple care of a hopeful heart : developing a personally-designed self-care protocol -- Epilogue : passionate journeys : returning to the wonders of medical and nursing practice.