Why Is Compassion Important In Nursing?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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“The nurse's compassion is an invaluable aspect of care,” states Koplowitz, “because it

provides patients with emotional support

, which can lessen depression and strengthen the patient's will to survive.” Compassionate nursing is broadly associated with caring actions.

Why is compassion important in healthcare?

Showing compassion, offering reassurance, and listening

actively calms patients

, lowers blood pressure, and enables faster recuperation, reduced pain, and shorter hospital stays. The benefits have been consistently demonstrated in cases ranging from traumatic injuries to common colds.

What does compassion mean to you in nursing?

We therefore define the term compassion to mean

the sensitivity shown in order to understand another person's suffering, combined with a willingness to help and to promote the wellbeing of that person

, in order to find a solution to their situation.” Compassion is an indispensable part of nursing and patient care.

How do you provide compassionate care in nursing?

  1. Practice good manners. …
  2. Show personal interest. …
  3. Take the time to think about what they have been through. …
  4. Always acknowledge their feelings. …
  5. Lastly, take time to care for your own emotional needs.

Why is empathy and compassion important in nursing?



helps nurses build a trusting connection with those in their care

by focusing on the patient's point of view. This strengthens communication because nurses can gain an understanding of how patients are coping and what they are experiencing.

What is the power of compassion?

By definition, compassion is the

sympathetic awareness of others' distress, coupled with a desire to alleviate suffering

. It's empathy plus prosocial action to improve the condition of others. To be compassionate requires attention, insight, and engagement, says Joan Halifax, Ph.

What is the importance of compassion?

Compassion is

empathy and caring in action

. Being open to others enables us to face tough times with creativity and resilience. Empathy enables us to connect with people. It helps us get things done, and to deal with power stress and the sacrifices inherent in leadership.

How do you show care and compassion?

  1. Open the door for someone. …
  2. Motivate others. …
  3. Practice acts of kindness. …
  4. Allocate time to bond with friends and family. …
  5. Say encouraging words. …
  6. Share a hug or a handshake. …
  7. Incorporate the phrase “thank you” into your daily routine. …
  8. Offer to help someone with their to-do list.

What are some examples of compassion?

Compassion is when you relate to someone's situation, and you want to help them. You see someone in trouble, and you feel like pitching in. For example, you might

help someone pick up their groceries if they dropped their shopping basket on the floor

.

What is the difference between care and compassion?

Is there a difference between caring and true compassion? Caring for another person is is

an act of displaying kindness and concern for others

. … Compassion involves the sharing of feelings of another as a means of coming to an understanding and appreciation for how they feel.

What are principles of compassionate care?

They include

meeting the individual needs of patients, developing effective leadership, and respecting privacy and dignity

. Ms Newton said they emphasised compassion.

What are the 6 C's in nursing?

The 6Cs –

care, compassion, courage, communication, commitment and competence

– are a central plank of Compassion in Practice, which was drawn up by NHS England chief nursing officer Jane Cummings and launched in December 2012.

Why caring in nursing is important?

When caring is present

patients experience feelings of comfort and hospitality

, of being at ease and of being healed. Nurses that offer heartfelt acts of kindness evoke caring, an important element of the healing process. Being a Cardinal Nurse means to bring caring to the bedside.

Is empathy the same as compassion?


Compassion is not the same as empathy or altruism

, though the concepts are related. While empathy refers more generally to our ability to take the perspective of and feel the emotions of another person, compassion is when those feelings and thoughts include the desire to help.

How does compassion help patients?

Compassionate care is

associated with improved outcomes and greater patient adherence

. And among providers , extending kindness is associated with reduced burnout and greater well-being.

How does empathy improve patient care?

Expressing empathy is highly effective and powerful, which builds patient trust, calms anxiety, and

improves health outcomes

. Research has shown empathy and compassion to be associated with better adherence to medications, decreased malpractice cases, fewer mistakes, and increased patient satisfaction.

Amira Khan
Author
Amira Khan
Amira Khan is a philosopher and scholar of religion with a Ph.D. in philosophy and theology. Amira's expertise includes the history of philosophy and religion, ethics, and the philosophy of science. She is passionate about helping readers navigate complex philosophical and religious concepts in a clear and accessible way.