According to our NHS Constitution, compassion is one of our core values. How do you provide compassionate care to patients?
All healthcare organisations, the NHS included, value and promote compassionate care for patients, whether it be in a care home with nursing, GP's office, hospital, home health, school, correctional facility, or otherwise. Compassion can be shown to patients in several ways, such as going the extra mile to ensure they are comfortable, building trusting relationships with them and their families, or showing genuine interest when interacting. Gives ways, big or small, that you demonstrate compassion to your patients in the workplace.
"I try to relate to my patients and their families by listening to their situation, empathizing, and striving to understand their emotions. It can be a very stressful time for patients to be in the hospital or care home with nursing, so I want to reduce their anxiety and demonstrate that I genuinely care about them and their well-being. My motto is to always treat my patients like I'd want my family member to be treated. I think compassionate care goes hand in hand with being an advocate and helping patients get access to the resources they need to be well."
"Nurses are often the first clinical team member patients meet and interact with, so first impressions are important. I always greet patients with a smile and pleasant attitude, even if I'm having a bad day. I'm patient and genuine in my interest and desire to care for them rather than seeming annoyed, rushed, or like they are a burden. I actively listen to them to better understand their concerns or goals and answer questions they may have. I always try to put myself in their shoes to understand their perspective, attitude, and outlook on things. I also go the extra mile to put a smile on their face, whether grabbing them a fresh cup of coffee or a magazine to read."
