Why compassionate primary care is vital for good nursing

The phrase “good bedside manner” is synonymous with nursing and medicine. It means that a healthcare provider, such as a nurse or a doctor, is compassionate and empathetic with patients. They are aware of their distress and want to do what is necessary to alleviate it.

The ability to provide compassionate primary care is vital for nurses who want to advance in their careers. Whether you enroll in an online school for nurses or take in-person classes, you will learn how to be a caring healthcare provider.

Although nursing courses offer it as a part of training, compassion and empathy are often innate skills. The reason certain people are drawn to the profession in the first place is that they are compassionate by nature. When they see suffering, they want to help make things better.

If you are not compassionate by nature, however, you should not discount nursing as a career. All of us can learn how to treat others with compassion. It may take some time, but you will eventually be as good of a nurse as those who are naturally compassionate.

Why is it important to be a compassionate nurse?

Patients enjoy better outcomes when they receive emotional support. They get better faster, and compassionate care when a patient is sick helps them feel more comfortable when they are in pain or experiencing emotional stress. Whether you enroll in an online school for nurses, such as the University of Indianapolis, or attend in-person classes, you will learn how to be a more empathetic caregiver.

How do compassionate nurses help patients?

Compassionate primary care involves more than simply offering a sympathetic ear. It means entering a patient’s world to understand their cares and concerns and taking action to help them heal. A good nurse will do this while allowing patients to retain their dignity and independence.

Compassionate nursing has tangible benefits for patients, including:

• A good nurse listens so they can provide the best care possible to their patients.
• By talking to patients, they eliminate loneliness, especially in those who have extended stays in the hospital.
• A nurse who is understanding encourages patients to do everything they can to get better.
• Good nurses follow up on patients’ complaints and ensure they have all they need for fast recovery.

However, this is a two-way street. There are tangible benefits for nurses who show genuine care for their patients, including:

• They understand patient needs better and can deliver better care.
• By talking to their patients, they can find out tangential information they can use to improve treatment.
• Compassionate nurses often notice unspoken concerns that may be affecting patient health.
• Nurses who help patients recover faster and form bonds with them feel better about their careers. A positive attitude toward their job makes them even better nurses.

Take care of yourself if you want to be a better nurse. A stressed nurse cannot be a compassionate caregiver.

How can I become a compassionate nurse?

The first step is to get your nursing qualifications. You should enroll in a nursing degree from a recognized institution, where you will learn the hard and soft skills required for nursing. A good university will send you out to the field so you can see experienced nurses in action.

Conclusion

Compassion is an essential element of nursing. It helps patients heal faster and has benefits for nurses as well. Furthering your education with an online course in nursing can help prepare you with the fundamental skills you need to succeed in your career in healthcare.