Compassion: Appropriate Care In Nursing

Compassion is one of the fundamental characteristics implemented into patient care by health care providers. Compassion signifies “a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering” (Compassion, n.d.). Nurses and other health care providers provide selfless service, tireless dedication, compassion, and often neglect their personal needs, which

Compassionate care is a big talking point right now in the media and within the healthcare sector with the Francis report being published earlier this year regarding the failings by Mid Staffordshire and Scotland are now waiting for their own report to be issued regarding the failings at the Vale of Leven in Dumbarton. The nursing and midwifery council have already started on some the imperative changes to be made that the Francis report issued. The chief executive of the nursing and midwifery council has said in her executive statement regarding the Francis report that they are to re-examine the current teaching that nurses receive and the professional standards. Smith, J. (Nursing and Midwifery Council) all of these failings are all relate d to compassionate care. The people who died in these hospitals were clearly not heard when they complained of feeling unwell and did not receive compassionate care so why was this? Next to be discussed is compassion fatigue and how this may reflect onto nursing practice in providing sufficient compassion.

Sawbridge and Hewison (2015) believe that compassion is important to the delivery of patient care. However, professionals are working in environments that are increasingly targeted which can take the professionals away from delivering compassionate care (Baverstock and Finley 2016). This assignment aims to discuss how important and how realistic it is for health and social care leaders to balance compassion with effective and efficient service delivery. It aims to do this by exploring what is meant by the term compassion and the influence that it has on patient care. The author will then move on to discuss the impact compassion has on service delivery, considering if professionals need to balance compassion with effective and efficient care delivery including the if compassion is in fact required to deliver effective care.

The incidence of compassion fatigue is increasing due to the heavy responsibilities placed on nurses and other providers, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Compassion can be a limited resource, our system is rooted in cognitive networks that tire and need refueling (Carey, 2011). Healthcare workers spend more time charting than

Compassion fatigue is a huge reality and according to Potter et al. (2013), long-term effects of compassion fatigue have negative impact on the health, well-being and performance of nurses involved. Jean Watson’s theory of caring said, true healing cannot be realized without caring therefore, compassion fatigue is a problem that does not only affect nurses, but goes a notch higher by also affecting the quality of care offered by compassion fatigue victims. Boyle (2011) observed that there is need for nurses to be compassionate and caring especially when providing care to patients, families or relatives. Slatten et al. (2011) noted that compassion fatigue is an occupational hazard among nurses involved (that is, professionals involved in helping others). Compassion fatigue is therefore, a significant problem affecting professional practice in nursing because Rosa (2014) stated that, being a successful caregiver requires a nurse to be in a position to find the meaning in what they do, remain committed and immersed in order to gain a sense of purpose. However, compassion fatigue stands as a barrier to realization of sense of purpose among

health care services are limited, it is necessary that the available services are distributed fairly and in the most equitable way possible. In an effort to comply with the principle of justice, individuals who have unfair advantages over others must give up their privileges for the betterment of all (Burkhardt & Nathaniel, 2008, p.73). The discriminatory practice of denying health care coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions while others had insurance was in direct violation of this ethical principle. Although health care reform is often fueled by logical socio-economic reasons and the laws are rationalized within the context of the political sphere, compassion for others is at the base of these changes. Compassion is the ability

For example, from patient’s relatives or friends that may give you an insight into the patient. • Interaction - Developing healthy relationship with children and young people, whether they are the patient themselves or their families, colleagues and

As a nurse, communication is an essential and important factor to building a therapeutic relationship between a nurse and patient as it is the difference between average and excellent nursing care, as it helps maintain a good quality of life and allows nurses’ and patients to interact and provide comfort when needed. The importance of good communication can become apparent with patients especially when they are in the hospital, as it helps the nurses build a positive relationship with patients and helps overcome barriers including physical, psychological and social. A therapeutic relationship is built on many factors which include both verbal and non-verbal communication which helps maintains the relationship and strengthens it due to the positive impact it has not only on the patient’s experience but also the nurse’s.

Compassion is defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary (2018), “sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it.” A critical aspect of nursing is to treat patients as humans not just a person with needs and tasks to complete. When I care for my patients, I give them the attention and time I hope my family receives if they were ever in the hospital. For example, my mother was recently in the emergency department and the nurse assign to her was explaining to her and what medications he was giving. When my mom was just nodding, and he got a clue that she did not understand.

Develop an alliance by using caring gestures to the family. Asking caring, sensitive and perceptive questions convey sincere concern for the patient and will help develop trust with the family

In this essay, the writer is going to explore the role of a nurse in providing professional, compassionate care. The writer will illustrate the awareness of the 6Cs which are compassion, communication, courage, competence, care, commitment and they are ineluctable in providing care to achieve a better health outcome (National Health Service 2012). Furthermore, the essay will demonstrate the theoretical perspectives that underpin nursing practise by reflecting the NHS core values and the NHS Constitution (Department of Health 2012) which is based on improving patient’s care when compassionate care is being put into practise.

This study explores the prevalence of compassion satisfaction, burnout, and compassion fatigue among emergency nurses and nurses in other selected inpatient specialties.

Compassion is a crucial aspect of nursing; it involves seeing the patients as more than just a medical problem. Patients look to nurses as a source of comfort to help them deal with their emotions and understand their medical problems. In Norway, a study was conducted to find the role of compassion in nursing and

240). Compassion can go many ways, it can boost a patient self-esteem, prevent nosocomial infections, and provide care in a way that respects people equally regardless of age, culture, beliefs, or race. Providing caring and empathetic behavior in everyday interaction helps the nurse and patient establish a rapport, as well as, come toward a common positive outcome. In the absence of compassion, patients are dissatisfied and professionals lament a loss of meaning and gratification in their work. (Stephen G, 2011).

Throughout my current involvement at the nursing home, I have already realized the numerous amounts of therapeutic communication I have shared with a patient. Whether assisting someone to eat their breakfast, walking them to their bedroom or just engaging in a conversation, I have established a professional rapport between them and myself. It is crucial for a nurse to build rapport with a patient. When a patient begins to open up and is willing to share their concerns, nurses must be able to provide the correct care to comfort their needs (Jasmine, 37). By making the patient feel as though they can trust us,