What Are the 6 Cs? Compassion in Care

clendar January 22, 2021

clendar 8 minutes

Aabey Morgan

2871 Users

Caregiving is a demanding yet fulfilling career. It provides a chance for giving back to the community while making a decent living. The prime factors you need to consider as a caregiver not only make for a reliable career but also lets you become a compassionate being. You will understand what are the 6 cs or compassion and care. On the other hand, you will get a genuine understanding of professional caregiving.

These factors are an essential part of the principles of nursing practice. Everyone should expect these principles from caregivers at a time when they might be at their lowest. But while the majority of patients will wholeheartedly praise the care they receive from staff and their medical team, there are always some exceptions.

The 6 Cs of Care

What makes a difference in professional caregiving is compassion and communication. With this, we come to the 6 C’s of care.

1. Care

For any business providing care, it is our core business and that of our organisations, and the care you deliver helps the individual and improves the overall health of the whole community. Because caring defines us and our work. People receiving care expect it to be catered to, consistently, throughout every stage of life making caregiving an exceptional challenge.

2. Compassion

Care is given through relationships based on dignity, respect and empathy – it can also be described as a form of intelligent kindness, and is central to how people perceive care.

3. Competence

Competence is necessary to update your knowledge and skills regularly, as well as knowing your limits whilst working as an agency nurse. It would be best if you only undertake work that you feel competent and confident in carrying out. Our worker’s competence is evidenced by our compliance requirements, so we ask you to keep us updated with staff evaluations, feedback and training. All this is done to ensure the highest standard of care for each patient.

4. Communication

To build caring relationships and conduct team efforts in healthcare communication skills are crucial. And it’s not just about being a good listener to your patient either, your record keeping and documentation of patients reports must be immaculate, especially if you are working with that patient on a temporary basis.

5. Courage

It may seem unheard of but sometimes, to really care for a person it takes a bit of courage. You’ll need to have the mentality to voice your concerns and opinions. Moreover, the strength of your personality and courage will determine whether you will be able to thrive in new working conditions and take necessary actions.

6. Commitment

Being a healthcare professional is a commitment. You will always be looked up to as a standard of discipline and dedication both in your workplace and personal life. In your line of work, uphold that model and follow the code of conduct. But even before that, you are committed to providing constant and utmost care to your patients.

The season of giving has begun, and people everywhere are looking for ways to join in the self-sacrificing spirit. But those working in healthcare dedicate their time and compassion to their patients year-round! Regardless of their specific field. Regardless of their specific field, delivering care with compassion and empathy is vital to all healthcare workers.

Especially for certified anesthesiologist assistants (CAAs) as the entire field of anaesthesiology is based around the compassionate act of managing pain and anxiety associated with surgery. CAAs need to be aware of their patient’s condition and comfort level before, during, and after the operation.

How to show fellow feelings for your patients

At this point, let’s get some advice on how to show fellow feelings for your patients.

Practice good manners

This may seem like common sense, but actually, a lot depends on your manners and appearance. Often in a time of emergency, your warmth and cordiality will dictate the overall temperament of the situation. So always try to smile and look into their eyes when you talk to them, even if you are in a rush. Have the practice of introducing yourself and briefly explaining what you do to every new patient. This helps keep your patients assured and informed. Refrain from showing anxiety or impatience, as your patients will soon pick up on that energy. So if you tend to fidget, you should try getting out of that habit. Your body language should be calm and welcoming, so your patients and their family members readily rely on you.

Show personal interest

As a CAA, you are supposed to take the personal history of patients, but it often helps your work if you truly take an interest in them. Have a short chat with them, ask them about their hobbies, compliment them on what they’re wearing. Addressing something personal about them that is not related to their health can be a great way to develop a relationship. Not to mention light-hearted conversations like that can feel like a breath of fresh air to the patients! It takes their mind off the medical procedures they’re expecting and helps them relax.

While you’re at it, do pay heed to what they’re saying. It will create an overall positive environment, and you might learn something interesting too!

Think about what they have been through

It’ll be easier for you to work with a patient if you know what’s going on in their mind. A patient may seem particularly difficult or fierce, but approaching them like a cold professional might not always do the trick. Instead, try knowing and empathising with the patient’s circumstances. They all come with their own ailments and personal problems. They might be annoyed from waiting too long in the line or be anxious about their very first surgery. These human reflexes are natural and expected. Knowing the triggers will help you understand the patient’s mood and respond accordingly.

Always acknowledge their feeling

Be prompt when it comes to acknowledging your patient’s concerns. A few kind words from you can comfort your patients a great deal. Instead of saying things that could come off as dismissive, such as “Yes, I know”, encourage them to share and occasionally say things like “I’m sorry, that must be awful!” You may have done the same procedure on many patients, but the pain is new to them, so don’t shut them off. Let them know that their fears and feelings are valid.

Take the time to care for your own emotional needs

We understand that healthcare providers have needs, too. Compassion fatigue is common amongst those who help others on a daily basis. The best way to avoid this is to give a little time to yourself.

Plan a holiday or even a cosy “indoor escape” to relax. Proper sleep and nutrition will also provide your brain with what it needs to cope with stress. If you are busy, even a little time out of your daily schedule for exercise can help promote stress relief and general happiness. You can also try cultivating a creative hobby like painting or journaling to help blow off some steam out of your chest. Never underestimate the power of confiding, whether in a trusted co-worker or a close friend. Sometimes receiving a sympathetic ear is sometimes just what you need to get your spirits up and better lives, one patient at a time.

Ending Notes

We hope you found this list helpful! Are you a seasoned CAA yourself? Let us know how you like to demonstrate compassion or what you do to relieve stress by leaving a comment below.