The 6cs As Set Out In Compassion In Practice

Qualities and Values

The 6Cs as set out in “Compassion in Practice” (Department of Health, 2012) sets out a range of values which every nurse and healthcare professional should incorporate into their working practice and strategies. As well as the 6Cs, nurses should follow the guidance set out in “The Code” which are the professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses and midwives as set out by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC, 2015). The Royal College of Nursing sets out principles of nursing practice called “The Principles” (Royal College of Nursing (RCN), 2010). I will look at four of values and qualities here which are supported by each of these guidance materials.

Communication

Communication is defined as a means of

We search for the things we do, however small, to give comfort and relieve suffering. We find time for those we serve and work alongside. We do not wait to be asked, because we care.” (Department of Health, 2009). Nurses are often the human face of a hospital situation and showing understanding and compassion to a patient who may be in a great deal of pain will allow them to build good relationships with patients, their families or carers based on respect, dignity and empathy. Point 1.1 of The Code states that nurses should, “treat people with kindness, respect and compassion.” (NMC, 2015) and this could be demonstrated by something as simple as holding a patient’s hand, or offering a cup of tea or a sympathetic ear. Principle A of The Principles states that nurses should treat those in their care with dignity, humanity, sensitivity and compassion, providing care in a way which shows respect to all people equally (Royal College of Nursing (RCN), 2010). “Compassion – both giving and receiving it – entails an emotional response. It goes beyond acts of basic care and is likely to involve generosity – giving a little more than you have to – kindness, and real dialogue” (Frank, 2004) cited in a report for The King’s Fund (Firth-Cozens, et al., 2009) and Chochinov says that compassion is “a deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it.” (Chochinov, 2007). From personal experience of volunteering as Ward Support in an end of life hospice, I can say wholeheartedly that every nurse I came across demonstrated the traits of compassion outlined by Frank and Chochinov and I am humbled to work alongside these outstanding