Patient Care in Nursing
Patient care is at the heart of nursing. It encompasses everything from physical care and clinical interventions to emotional support and advocacy. Holistic care considers the whole person — their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
The 6 Cs of Nursing
The 6 Cs are the core values of nursing in the UK:
- Care — Providing compassionate care that respects patients' dignity
- Compassion — Treating patients with kindness and empathy
- Competence — Having the knowledge and skills to deliver effective care
- Communication — Communicating effectively with patients and colleagues
- Courage — Having the courage to speak up for patients and challenge poor practice
- Commitment — Being committed to providing the best possible care
Dignity and Privacy
Maintaining patient dignity and privacy is a fundamental aspect of nursing care. This includes:
- Knocking before entering a patient's room
- Closing curtains and doors during personal care
- Covering patients appropriately during examinations
- Using confidential spaces for sensitive conversations
- Addressing patients by their preferred name
- Involving patients in decisions about their care
Holistic Assessment
A holistic nursing assessment considers all aspects of a patient's wellbeing:
- Physical health — Vital signs, symptoms, mobility, nutrition
- Psychological health — Mood, anxiety, cognition, mental state
- Social circumstances — Living situation, family support, finances
- Spiritual needs — Faith, beliefs, cultural practices
- Functional ability — Activities of daily living, independence
Pressure Area Care
Pressure ulcers (bedsores) are preventable injuries caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. Risk assessment tools like Waterlow or Braden are used to identify at-risk patients. Prevention includes:
- Regular repositioning (every 2-4 hours)
- Using pressure-relieving equipment (specialist mattresses, cushions)
- Inspecting skin regularly
- Maintaining good nutrition and hydration
- Keeping skin clean and dry
Pain Assessment
Pain assessment should be regular and documented. Tools include:
- Numerical Rating Scale — 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain)
- Wong-Baker FACES — For children or patients with communication difficulties
- Abbey Pain Scale — For patients with dementia who cannot self-report
- PAINAD — For patients with advanced dementia
Remember: pain is whatever the patient says it is. Always believe the patient's self-report.