Compassion: Part 1

Compassion. (Part 1) of 2

Developing compassion for my patients was something that came very naturally in my early nursing career days, that calling, or desire to offer compassion to those in difficult circumstances. However, times have changed and when it comes to demonstrating compassion with your peers, or those in senior clinical or managerial positions how does that fair in your current role?

You may be part of a culture that doesn’t demonstrate compassion in its workforce or be tempted to resort to the way you have seen other managers lead. Which, traditionally as we know, hasn’t been the most effective or compassionate in the past.

If we consider that the quality of the working day dictates our mood, our health, and is likely to spill over into our personal life, how can we demonstrate a positive working environment through genuine compassionate behaviours?

All too often in healthcare we hear of staff feeling undervalued, burnt out, exhausted or unheard. Or feel like they are working in silos, with the people around them thinking the department appears to revolve around a few members of staff. Particularly if those members of staff portray hardened individualistic characteristics.

So what are the benefits of increasing compassion in the work place? What will compassion look and feel and sound like for yourself or your team?

· Increased awareness of self-compassion

· Creates a safe space for staff to be heard

· Improved working relationships across all disciplines

· Improved collaboration

· Increased interconnectedness and appreciation of others

· Increased commitment and motivation

· Improved patient care by staff that are cared for

· A happier workforce!

· Increased staff retention

· Reduced absenteeism through stress or anxiety

Seems like a no-brainer?

Have a look at this list as see if you can add to it and let me know your thoughts.