The NHS prides itself on providing compassionate care to all. Would you describe yourself as a compassionate person?
All healthcare professionals who directly care for people should follow best practices when providing care. This means delivering compassionate care and achieving excellent health and well-being outcomes for all patients of the NHS.
To establish and maintain quality care, the NHS Commissioning Board developed a method of care known as Compassion in Practice. This introduces the concept of the six Cs, which underpins the strategy and the level of care professionals should provide. As a nurse, you should be familiar with the six Cs before your interview, as you may be asked about them.
When responding to this question, you can say you are compassionate, but giving an example where you have helped others is a better way to let the interview panel see your compassionate nature. For example, you can describe your volunteer experience, how you cared for an elderly relative, held the hand of a dying patient, or comforted a grieving family member. Give an example that shows you have compassion for others.
"Yes, I most certainly consider myself a compassionate person. I take the opportunity to understand and help others whenever possible. While attending University, I spent a lot of time volunteering at a local hospice - not only for the added experience but also to give back to others. I would comfort patients and their family members during their last moments - brush their hair, hold their hands, and read and sing to them. I look forward to continuing this level of compassionate care with your organization and am happy to see that you also value compassion in practice."
"Yes, I am a very compassionate person and have been my entire life. I was always the one to bring stray animals home and give my lunch to those less fortunate than me. I believe you need to be compassionate and empathetic to work in this field and feel honored to have the opportunity to provide compassion to my patients and their family members."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I take the opportunity to understand and help others whenever possible. While attending University, I spent a lot of time volunteering at a local disability group. This allowed me to gain the skills for remaining sensitive to each case while being efficient in providing care and being an excellent communicator. I look forward to continuing this level of compassionate care by making sure I am listening to parents to answer their concerns and alleviate their anxieties in relation to their child’s care even if the ward is busy. This aids me in building a trusting relationship and extending patient and family centred care.
Jaymie's Feedback
Excellent! These are all things that the interviewer will find valuable in a candidate.
Unlock all 30 NHS Band 5 Nurse questions
Prepare for NHS values-based questions and clinical scenario assessments with expert guidance.
Get Started