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  • Welcome, and thank you for taking the time to engage with the COBUMS (Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, Moral Injury, and Stress) Quiz. This self-assessment is designed to help you reflect on the challenges you may be experiencing in your professional or caregiving role and provide insights into your emotional and mental well-being. The COBUMS quiz is adapted from the ProQuol Professional Quality of Life assessment (Used with permission). 

    My name is Dr. JoNeil, and I bring a diverse background to this work, including over 48 years as a nurse in both leadership and staff positions, 13 years as a college professor, and 10 years as a healthcare consultant. Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of compassion fatigue, burnout, moral injury, and stress on healthcare professionals and caregivers.

    One of the key areas of my academic research is bullying in nursing, a pervasive issue that often intersects with the factors contributing to COBUMS. My doctoral dissertation focused on this topic, examining how workplace bullying affects individual well-being, team dynamics, and patient outcomes. The findings of this research revealed the critical need for awareness, preventative strategies, and systemic support to mitigate the emotional toll of caregiving and high-stress professions.

    This quiz builds upon my academic work and professional experiences to help individuals identify early signs of COBUMS and consider actionable steps to regain balance and resilience. It is not a diagnostic tool, but a resource to encourage self-reflection and guide you toward seeking further support if needed.

    I deeply value the commitment of healthcare professionals and caregivers and understand the challenges you face. Through this quiz and subsequent resources, my goal is to empower you to safeguard your well-being, thrive in your role, and continue making a positive difference in the lives of others.

    Let’s take the first step together toward restoring balance and prioritizing your health. Remember, you are not alone, and support is available. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey.

    Sincerely,
    Dr. JoNeil
    DM, MBA, BSN, RN

    • Disclaimer and Consent for Taking the COBUMS Quiz: By proceeding with the COBUMS (Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, Moral Injury, and Stress) Quiz, you acknowledge and agree to the following: Purpose of the Quiz: The COBUMS Quiz is designed as a self-assessment tool to provide insights into potential signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue, burnout, moral injury, and stress. It is not a diagnostic tool and should not replace professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Voluntary Participation: Participation in this quiz is entirely voluntary. You may choose to discontinue at any time without any obligation. Confidentiality: Your responses will remain confidential and will not be shared with any third party without your explicit consent. If this quiz is being conducted in a group or workshop setting, only aggregate data may be shared to protect individual privacy. Non-Emergency Resource: This quiz is not intended for crisis situations. If you are experiencing severe emotional distress or are in need of immediate assistance, please contact a mental health professional, a trusted healthcare provider, or a crisis hotline in your area. Use of Results: The results of this quiz are for personal reflection and educational purposes only. They are meant to help you identify areas of potential concern and guide you toward seeking appropriate resources, if needed. Consent to Participate: By taking this quiz, you confirm that:You understand its purpose and limitations.You consent to use this tool for self-assessment.You take responsibility for any actions or decisions made based on the quiz results. If you agree to the terms above, you may proceed with the COBUMS Quiz. 
  • Compassion fatigue

  • Compassion fatigue is a state of emotional and physical exhaustion that can occur in people who are exposed to the suffering and trauma of others, particularly those in caregiving or helping professions. Some common causes of compassion fatigue include:

    Exposure to traumatic events
    Overworking
    Lack of self-care
    Emotional exhaustion
    Trauma triggers
    Empathy overload
    Lack of support

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  • It is important to note that compassion fatigue can affect anyone who is exposed to the suffering of others, regardless of their profession or background. However, by recognizing the signs and causes of compassion fatigue, individuals can take steps to prevent or manage it, such as seeking support from colleagues, taking breaks, and practicing self-care.

  • Burnout

  • Burnout in healthcare is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that results from prolonged and excessive stress in the workplace. It is characterized by feelings of cynicism, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment. Healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and other care providers, are particularly vulnerable to burnout due to the intense and often emotionally demanding nature of their work. Burnout can negatively impact the quality of care provided to patients, increase medical errors, and lead to high rates of turnover and absenteeism among healthcare workers. It is a serious issue that requires attention and support from both individuals and healthcare organizations to prevent and manage.

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  • Moral Injury

  • Moral injury in healthcare refers to the psychological distress that arises when healthcare professionals are confronted with situations that challenge their deeply held moral beliefs and values. It occurs when healthcare providers witness or participate in actions that they perceive as violating their ethical standards, which can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and betrayal. Moral injury in healthcare can be caused by a variety of factors, including workplace policies, institutional constraints, and interpersonal conflicts. It can also result from the impact of traumatic events such as patient deaths, medical errors, or ethical dilemmas that are not resolved in a satisfactory manner. Moral injury can have serious consequences for healthcare professionals, including burnout, depression, anxiety, and a decreased sense of personal and professional fulfillment. It is important for healthcare organizations to recognize and address moral injury in their staff, and to provide resources and support for those who are affected by it.

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  • Stress

  • Stress in healthcare workers refers to the physical, emotional, and psychological strain experienced by healthcare professionals as a result of their job demands and workplace environment. The healthcare industry can be particularly demanding due to long hours, high patient volumes, unpredictable work schedules, and a fast-paced work environment. Stress can have serious consequences on the health and well-being of healthcare workers, including physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and gastrointestinal problems, as well as mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Chronic stress can also increase the risk of burnout and turnover, which can negatively impact patient care and overall healthcare delivery. It is important for healthcare organizations to implement strategies to reduce stress in their workers and support their mental and physical health.

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  • Bullying

  • ✅ 0–25: Low Risk / Resilience Present
    Your results suggest that while you may be experiencing some level of stress or emotional strain, you are currently functioning with a strong sense of balance and resilience. You’ve likely developed effective coping strategies and protective boundaries. Continue to monitor your well-being, and maintain the supportive practices that are working for you.

  • ⚠️ 26–50: Emerging Strain / Early Warning Signs
    You’re carrying a noticeable load, and some signs of compassion fatigue, burnout, or moral stress may be starting to show. While you're still managing, your capacity may be stretched more than you realize. This is a good time to pause, reflect, and consider what proactive steps might help you reset before things escalate further.

  • 🚨 51–75: Moderate Concern / Signs of Distress
    Your responses reflect moderate levels of emotional and mental strain. There may be patterns of exhaustion, detachment, or inner conflict that are affecting your well-being. You may benefit from additional support, rest, and intentional recalibration. This is a signal to prioritize your needs—not a sign of failure, but a call for care.

  • 🔥 76–100: High Concern / Significant Impact Present
    Your score indicates a high level of psychological and emotional distress, likely across multiple areas—compassion fatigue, burnout, moral injury, and stress overload. This is a strong indication that your well-being may be at risk, and meaningful intervention is recommended. You are not alone, and support is available. Please consider reaching out for help to begin the process of recovery and repair.

  • Be sure to click next below to see the next steps in addressing your score!

  • You made it through, and that matters.  

  • No matter where your score landed, the fact that you took time to check in with yourself means you’re already starting to shift things. If you’re feeling ready to get some support (without the shame spiral), you don’t have to figure it out alone. Book a Bullying Recovery Call below with Dr. JoNeil to talk through what’s going on and get grounded in your next best step.

    This private complementary 30-minute session is a compassionate, judgment-free space designed to help you begin recovering from Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, Moral Injury, and Stress.


    Together, we’ll explore what’s been draining you, how it’s been affecting your mind, body, and spirit, and identify gentle next steps toward clarity, relief, and renewal. You don’t need to prepare anything- just bring yourself.


    This is your time to exhale, be heard, and receive guidance grounded in understanding and care. If at any point you feel distress while reflecting on your experiences, please pause and reach out for professional support.

    You are not alone- healing begins here.

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