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Compassionate Care in the field of Nursing

Margaret Ford
Dixie State University

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Compassionate Care in the Nursing Profession
The heart of the nursing profession is caring for others. To be cared for is a universal
need that serves as the essence of quality patient care. The concept of caring can be defined and
supported by scientific theories. A theorist, such as Jean Watson, guided the concept of caring by
creating ten curative factors in 1979. The following paper will explore Jean Watsons theory,
what it means for a nurse to care, and include examples of caring behaviors.
Nursing is a healing and caring profession. According to Jean Watson theory of caring,
A caring moment involves an action and choice by both the nurse and the other (1985, p 59).
Caring is centered on connecting with oneself and with others. The art and science of caring
strengthens human connections. A nurse can provide healing care by doing the following:
Cultivate love and kindness, instill hope and faith, be sensitive to beliefs and practices, develop
a trusting relationship, accept positive and negative feelings, use problem solving to meet patient
needs, create a healing environment, educate patients and allow miracles to occur (Watson,
1979).
Caring is not an automatic response, it requires work and the ability to step outside of
your comfort zone. A nurse should be present during times of despair and seek ways to provide
comfort. For example, I witnessed a nurse in a long term care facility provide palliative care for
a man who was dying. The nurse listened to the families concerns and validated their feelings
without disregarding their pain. The dying patient was turned every two hours, ice chips were
provided and the patient received morphine to alleviate suffering. The nurses caring behaviors
demonstrated empathy; the patients needs were addressed and the family received solace during
a time of grief.
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A caring nurse should nurture a patients hope and faith. But providing hope doesnt
imply sharing unrealistic goals or expectations, but instead, it is encouragement to maintain
health and wellness. Hope motivates a patient to keep going, to keep trying. Even when things
seem bleak, faith brings hope and purpose. For example, I witnessed a nurse provide holistic care
for her patient by making arrangements for a clergy member to offer a priesthood blessing. The
nurses actions nurtured the patients belief in a higher power and displayed respect for diversity.
In the medical field, people come from many different walks of life with cultures that
vary. The nurse may not understand where a person is coming from but they can respect their
differences. Nurses who are sensitive to others are better able to learn about anothers view of
the world which, subsequently, increases concern for others comfort, recovery, and wellness
(Watson, 1979, p 49). An example of being sensitive to a patients beliefs would be to
acknowledge a patients wish to wear a religious garment under their gown for protection.
A nurse can serve as a patients advocate by speaking in behalf of the patient. The nurse
should focus on the patients needs and desires by listening to what is said verbally, along with
the unspoken. As the nurse engages in meaningful interactions with the patient, they begin to
build a relationship. When a patient leaves home, and is admitted to a hospital, they may develop
fears of being misunderstood or being exploited. The nurse can overcome these fears by keeping
promises, respecting boundaries and providing consistent quality care. For example, during a
clinical rotation, I observed a nurse at Intermountain hospital report a patients health status,
preferences and goals to the oncoming nurse. As the nurse collaborated with the healthcare team,
it ensured a continuum of care and established a relationship of trust.
Building a trusting relationship opens up communication and enables the patient to
verbalize their thoughts and feelings. The nurse should allow the patient to express how they
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feel, whether its positive or negative. When a patient opens up, the nurse should listen
empathetically because self-expression leads to healing and acceptance. As we connect with
patients, We learn how to be human by identifying ourselves with others (Watson, 1979, p 59).
Caring behaviors also involves problem solving and critical thinking. A nurse should use
the nursing process to identify patient problems to meet individual needs. For example, the nurse
will gather patient information and complete a physical assessment. Getting to know the patient
enables the nurse to create a care plan with goals and interventions. A caring nurse will
implement these interventions and evaluate their effectiveness.
A care plan should also include the formation of a healing environment. A patient needs
peace and quiet, so that healing can occur. For example, when I was working as a Certified
Nurse Assistant, I had the opportunity to witness beautiful scenery located at the Veterans
home, out in Ivins. The residents loved to go outside and view the red rocks and the bright blue
skies. Nature brought peace and serenity. A healing environment can be a safe haven, a place of
refuge.
Another important component of patient care, involves patient education. A nurse can
express love and concern for their patient by offering learning experiences. The nurse can
educate patients on health and illness concepts, how to manage their condition, prevention of
disease and ways to improve overall health. Nurses should strive to stay up to date in their
profession and pursue higher education. Acquiring knowledge allows the nurse to educate and
inspire.


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References
Cook, P. R., & Cullen, J. A. (2003). Caring as an imperative for nursing education. Nursing
Education Perspectives, 24(4), 192-7. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/230590962?accountid=27045
Davidhizar, R. (2005). Caring science as sacred science. Nursing Education Perspectives, 26(5),
314. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/236640965?accountid=27045
Gustin, L., & Wagner, L. (2013). The butterfly effect of caring - clinical nursing teachers'
understanding of self-compassion as a source to compassionate care. Scandinavian Journal of
Caring Sciences, 27(1), 175-183. doi:10.1111/j.1471-6712.2012.01033.x
Watson, J. (1979). Nursing: The Philosophy and Science of Caring. University of Michigan,
Little Brown.