Compassion in Nursing: Applying Rodger's Model of Analysis

This essay delves into the concept of compassion within the context of nursing care, employing Rodger's model of concept analysis to provide a structured understanding. The introduction establishes the significance of compassion in healthcare and its application in nursing practices. The essay defines compassion, differentiating it from sympathy, and explores its attributes, including empathy, kindness, and a person-centered approach. It examines the antecedents, such as patient suffering and vulnerability, and discusses the consequences of compassionate care, such as improved patient outcomes. The literature review incorporates various strategies for nurses to demonstrate compassion, including active listening, positive interactions, and addressing patient needs. The essay highlights the importance of compassion in healthcare and its impact on patient well-being, emphasizing the role of nurses in providing empathetic and supportive care. Finally, the essay concludes by reinforcing the importance of compassion in nursing practice.

Developing Foundations of
Nursing Care

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Explanation to Rodger’s Model..............................................................................................1
Identification and name of the concept of interest.................................................................2
Definitions related to concept.................................................................................................2
Identification and literature used and explanation on search strategy....................................3
Identify and discuss the attributes of the concept...................................................................4
Antecedents and consequences of the concept.......................................................................5
Identifying and discussing concepts.......................................................................................6
Model Case for the concept....................................................................................................7
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
Rodger model is an evolutionary method to understand some particular term in effective
manner. It helps in making the conceptual base strong and address the related terms to it as well.
The model also helps in developing effective knowledge base where its applicability in the
practical terms becomes easy. To understand the elements of model, compassion has been
chosen as subject matter which will be studied in the essay. Hence, conceptual analysis will be
performed on compassion in health and social care setup. The essay will then make use of search
strategy to describe the literature related to compassion and its importance in nursing practices.
Various concepts that have direct link to compassion will also be discussed in the essay.
Explanation to Rodger’s Model
Rodger’s concept analysis model is a valid scientific method of analysis of the stated
concept. It includes a brief process from data collection to data analysis. It helps in developing
strong conceptual concept where surrogates or related terms are also addressed (Sykes and et.al.,
2013). The attribute, examples and consequences are presented in this type of concept analysis.
The main strength of this method is that it has a systematic approach where its focus is clear
during the analysis process. It has strong contribution to classify, describe and explain the
concept which is related to nursing. It also helps in assessing the applicability of chosen concept
on various disciplines of health sciences. It also assists in ascertaining that how the concept can
help in increasing the relatable knowledge to it. A research on nursing must be comprised of
clear-cut use of concepts. In order to analyse the same, Rodger’s can be a possible method. The
concept must be effective enough that it helps in suggesting the ideas to nursing environment as
well. The main purpose of this analysis is to understand the concept in well defined manner
(McMahon and Fleury, 2012).
Rodger’s evolutionary model helps in development of knowledge in nursing science. It
helps in conducting concept analysis through a valid scientific method. In order to make
application of Rodger model a concept will be chosen where steps of this model will be applied
so that the concept can be understood effectively. Ascertaining all the important aspect of the
concept will be easy through the application of this scientific and evolutionary model (Rogers,
2014).
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Identification and name of the concept of interest
The concept chosen to on which Rodger model of concept analysis will be applied is
Compassion. It is the most common yet important practice that is to be adopted by people
working as a nurse in health and social care set up. The concept has been identified considering
various aspects of nursing. The main role of a nurse is not only to extend care and treatment to
the person but also to understand the behaviour of the patient with utmost patience so that the
best can be delivered in the end. Compassion is considered as one of the important aspect of
patient’s treatment. A nurse is an individual who comes into direct contact with the patient on
continuous basis and hence require that nurse must treat the patient with utmost empathy,
kindness and compassion. Hence, compassion is a concept that has been chosen to study in
health and social care set up. Rodger model has been applied to understand the same in the most
effective and efficient manner.
Definitions related to concept
According to Straughair (2012), compassion means sympathy that is extended to
somebody whether it is a social care set up or not. Further, as per the views of McCaffrey and
McConnell (2015), it is an inherent quality that is possessed by an individual to a person where
concern in shown to the individual who has been suffering from misfortune. Moreover, in
accordance with Glasper (2012), compassion is not only related to showing concern to somebody
but rather having strong desires to alleviate the person from suffering. It also motivates the
people to go out of their way to help that individual who may be going through, physical, mental
and emotional pains themselves. It is regarded as having sensitive and emotional aspect of
suffering. Compassion involves feeling for another individual with the sense of becoming a
helping hand to the particular individual. The act of compassion helps in giving warmth to the
person where the person possesses the quality of patience, wisdom, kindness, warmth etc to
resolve the issue in his life. There is a difference between sympathy and compassion is that the
former extends sorrow and concern to the person, however, later responds with warmth and care.
According to Slocum-Gori and et.al., (2013), the literal meaning of compassion is ‘to
suffer together’. It can be defined as a feeling where, when one person confronts the suffering of
another person, in that case, the individual feels motivated to relieve that feeling effectively.
In the nursing context, compassion is an important aspect that is to be present in the
behaviour of nurse while handling patients. Compassion in nursing means a genuine sympathy
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that is extended to the person who is suffering from hardships with the desire to ease out that
pain. There are various methods through which compassion is shown to an individual in health
and social care setup. Some of the activities includes, communicating verbally and non verbally
with the patient through eye contact, speaking and listening quality , focussing on strengths and
positive qualities of individual. Further, treating patients with compassion by extending utmost
love and care to them makes them feel satisfied and build a positive relationship with the nurse.
Showing kindness to the individual is another significant aspect of compassion. Showing care
and kindness to the patient is included in compassionate behaviour of the nurse which is an
important for her to keep.
Identification and literature used and explanation on search strategy.
According to Bramley and Matiti, (2014) during the time of illness and pain, the nurses
provide everyday care and assistance to the patients. The care has been provided to the patient in
order to boost up their motivation and moral so that they can feel better and efficiently. Practical
nurses works closer with the patient and it is very essential for the nurses to focus on the needs of
patients. Harris and Griffin, (2015) contends that patient feel comfortable if effective care has
been given and provided to them at healthcare institutes and hospitals. It is very important for the
nurses to show compassion to the patient. This will aid the patients and they will recover more
efficiently and rapidly. There are five strategies through which the nurses can show compassion
for the patients. The strategies are listed below:
 Empathy: Being able to understand and empathize with your patients is an essential trait
of any practical nurse. This will aid in lowering the stress and anxiety among the patient
and will assist in boosting up their morale and motivation. Showing empathy to the
patient is essential part of compassion and practical nurses must shows empathy towards
the patients in order to increase their positivity and confidence.
 Listen to your patient: Always listen to the patients. If they have a health issue or
complaint, then listening helps to understand and comfort them appropriately. Listening
to the patient is very essential (5 Ways Practical Nurses Can Show Compassion for
Patients, 2016). By listening to the issues and problems of patients, the practical nurse
shows compassion towards them. Responding them with the appropriate manner will aid
in reducing their issues will promulgate self confidence of patients.
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 Be positive: Remain positive throughout your interactions with patients and their
families shows good compassion. Practical nurses by being positive throughout the
interactions will help in lowering the stress and tension between the patients and their
family members. Thus, by being positive practical nurses can shows great signs of
companionship with the patients.
 Interact and socialise: Interacting with patients is very essential and effective. Making
patient feel comfortable will help in reducing his pains and sorrows. It is the duty and
responsibility of the practical nurses by following nursing practices in the organisation to
interact and socialise with patients before or after their treatments, so that they can feel
more relax and comfortable.
 Check in on patient: Checking patients needs and requirements and making efforts to
fulfil them is the good gesture presented by the nurses (5 Ways Practical Nurses Can
Show Compassion for Patients, 2016). It is very important for the nurses to check the
essential needs of patients in order to assist them in their recovery phase. For example, if
there is no water in the room of patient, it is the duty of the nurse to provide water to the
patient's room. In this way, they can provide compassion to the patient. Further, it will
motivate and reduces the stress level of patients.
Identify and discuss the attributes of the concept.
The characteristics most commonly used in association with compassion in terms to
caring and nursing includes sensitivity, empathy, kindness, person centred approach, the
relationship involvement working with patients and care, etc. Showing empathy and compassion
towards patients is very essential (Bradshaw, 2014). It also motivates the people to go out of
their way to help that individual who may be going through, physical, mental and emotional
pains themselves. It is regarded as having sensitive and emotional aspect of suffering. There are
various perspective of compassion and caring in nursing including altruistic, cognitive and
humanistic. These perspective helps the nurses to provide compassion to the patients precisely
and efficiently. According to the nursing guidelines and code of conducts, nurses have role to
take care of patients by using various methods accordingly in order to boost up the health of
patient and he or she feels rejuvenated.
Compassion in healthcare organisations is practices by nurses and healthcare
professionals. Compassion means sympathy that is extended to somebody whether it is a social
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care set up or not (Bradshaw, 2014). It is very important to provide compassion to the patient. An
individual who visits hospital for general or critical purpose is always in stress or being anxious
about his tests results. His or her self confidence begins to diminish and the motivational level
begins to reduce. In these cases, it is the responsibility of the nurses to provide them compassion
and make them feel better. This will aid in promulgating their self confidence and there
motivation will also increase efficiently. Descriptions of compassionate care include dignity and
comfort. It is the moral responsibility of the nurses to give comfort to the patient by addressing
and understanding his or her issues and recommending him or her precise advice so that they can
recover efficiently (Darbyshire and McKenna, 2013). During the time of illness and pain, the
nurses provide everyday care and assistance to the patients. The care has been provided to the
patient in order to boost up their motivation and moral so that they can feel better and efficiently.
Practical nurses works closer with the patient and it is very essential for the nurses to focus on
the needs of patients.
Antecedents and consequences of the concept
Antecedents are those incidents that should come prior to the occurrence of the concept.
They mainly occur before the concept because they are imperative in improving the central
attributes of the concept. The condition required in order that compassion can take place is
suffering or threat of suffering in the context of nursing this is expanded to include illness or risk
of illness and human vulnerability. The practical nurses in the hospital must show compassion to
the patients so that they can recover from the illness rapidly (Mills, Wand and Fraser, 2015). It is
very important and essential for practical nurses to show compassion to the patients as part of
their nursing practices. An antecedent in the concept is awareness of the other needs that are
required by the casualty patients. When any patient feel sadness or started getting anxious, it is
the role of nurses to provide him compassion in order to increase his or her motivation and
morale. The stress, anxiety, nervousness are the pre occurrence which is observed in the patient.
These antecedents indicate the nurses about the mental and psychology of the patient. Here the
role of nurse is to give sympathy and empathy by listening his or her issues and advises him or
her the appropriate methods.
This will aid in reducing the mental pressure and he or she feels better. Interacting with
patients is very essential and effective and listening to the patient is very essential. By listening
to the issues and problems of patients, the practical nurse shows compassion towards them.
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Responding them with the appropriate manner will aid in reducing their issues will promulgate
self confidence of patients. Making patient feel comfortable will help in reducing his pains and
sorrows. It is the duty and responsibility of the practical nurses by following nursing practices in
the organisation to interact and socialise with patients before or after their treatments, so that
they can feel more relax and comfortable (Georges, 2013). It is recommended that when
compassion is delivered the caring will enhance healing and lead to comfort; satisfaction; peace;
acceptance; confidence; and reassurance. Thus, practical nurses must provide the compassion to
the patients in order to assist them in their recovery process and reduces the psychological strain
in them.
Identifying and discussing concepts
There are numerous description and application of compassion. The term compassion can
be easily used with caring and dignity. Compassion is provided by the practical nurses to their
patients in order to increase their motivation and morale. As per the medical guidelines and
nursing code of conduct, it is the morale responsibility of the nurses to consider issues of patients
and guides them effectively in order to reduce their stress and anxiety (Paley, 2014). The
representation of compassion within the literature, reports and policy documents reflect
inconsistent descriptions and claims regarding compassionate care. It is a broad and wide
concept of nursing where it is essential for the practical nurses to provide compassion to the
patients so that their psychology and mental conditions can be improved effectively and
efficiently.
The nurses must develop effective relationship in the healthcare organisations in order to
address the issues and provide compassion to the employees efficiently. Compassion is very
important and essential to raise the motivational level of patients. Nurses must encourage the
patient by analysing the positive elements related to the conditions to show in the patient even
though critical phase he or she has passed (Ledoux, 2015). This will aid in promulgating their
self confidence and there motivation will also increase efficiently. Descriptions of compassionate
care include dignity and comfort. It is the moral responsibility of the nurses to give comfort to
the patient by addressing and understanding his or her issues and recommending him or her
precise advice so that they can recover efficiently.
Thus, the concept analysis states that in order to provide compassion, the practical nurses
needs to be positive and calm. Remain positive throughout your interactions with patients and
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their families shows good compassion (Smart and et.al., 2014). Practical nurses by being positive
throughout the interactions will help in lowering the stress and tension between the patients and
their family members. By being positive and calm, the practical nurses can aid in increasing the
motivation and improves the psychology of the patients simultaneously.
Model Case for the concept
Showing compassion towards patients is very important. Practical nurses shows empathy
to the patients by listening to their issues and addressing their problems. The model case of
compassion concept is as follows. A practical nurse name Anna, who worked at National Health
Service Trust of England. A patient named Jones visited to the trust in order to get treatment for
his pain in lungs. The condition was not critical, but the patient worries too much about it and
thus, it impacts on his health effectively. After making contact with the patient, Anna asked him
about his problems and issues. As she observed the patients worries too much and started getting
anxious. She listens to his problem silently and understand his issue. After analysing his
problem, she advises Mr. Jones to not to worry that much as the condition is not very critical.
After listening to this, Mr. Jones becomes happy and his stress level begins to reduce. This
shows that compassion is very essential in the healthcare organisation. It relives the patient
effectively and reduces his worries. Further, Anna listens to his problems effectively and
provides him compassion in order to reduce his anxiety.
From the above model case it can be understood that compassion plays vital role in the
health care organisations (Henson, 2017). Compassion is considered as one of the important
aspect of patient’s treatment. A nurse is an individual who comes into direct contact with the
patient on continuous basis and hence require that nurse must treat the patient with utmost
empathy, kindness and compassion.
CONCLUSION
Compassion means sympathy that is extended to somebody whether it is a social care set
up or not. In accordance with this context, the essay assess the concept analysis of compassion
based on Rodgers model. The definition of compassion using dictionary definitions and
definition from nursing literature has been discussed in this essay. The impacts of using
compassion on the patients' health has been covered in the essay. Further, the role of nurses in
providing the compassion as a part of caring has been discussed in this essay. The different
attributes of the concept and antecedent and consequences of the compassion has been examined
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in the essay. The model case has been produced that effectively defines the use of compassion in
order to increase the motivation and morale of patient and aid in reducing his or her stress and
anxiety level.
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REFERENCES
Books and journals
Bradshaw, A., 2014. 2 Compassion in nursing history. Providing Compassionate Healthcare:
Challenges in Policy and Practice. p.21.
Bradshaw, A., 2014. How to restore compassion to nursing. bmj, p.37.
Bramley, L. and Matiti, M., 2014. How does it really feel to be in my shoes? Patients'
experiences of compassion within nursing care and their perceptions of developing
compassionate nurses. Journal of clinical nursing. 23(19-20). pp.2790-2799.
Chambers, C. and Ryder, E., 2016. Compassion and caring in nursing. CRC Press.
Darbyshire, P. and McKenna, L., 2013. Nursing's crisis of care: what part does nursing education
own?. Nurse education today. 33(4). pp.305-307.
Georges, J.M., 2013. An emancipatory theory of compassion for nursing. Advances in Nursing
Science. 36(1). pp.2-9.
Glasper, A., 2012. A compassionate vision for nursing and midwifery. British Journal of
Nursing, 21(19), pp.1172-1172.
Harris, C. and Griffin, M.T.Q., 2015. Nursing on empty: Compassion fatigue signs, symptoms,
and system interventions. Journal of Christian Nursing. 32(2). pp.80-87.
Henson, J.S., 2017. When compassion is lost. MedSurg Nursing, 26(2), pp.139-143.
Ledoux, K., 2015. Understanding compassion fatigue: understanding compassion. Journal of
advanced nursing. 71(9). pp.2041-2050.
McCaffrey, G. and McConnell, S., 2015. Compassion: a critical review of peer‐reviewed nursing
literature. Journal of clinical nursing. 24(19-20). pp.3006-3015.
McMahon, S. and Fleury, J., 2012, January. Wellness in older adults: A concept analysis.
In Nursing forum (Vol. 47, No. 1, pp. 39-51). Blackwell Publishing Inc
Mills, J., Wand, T. and Fraser, J.A., 2015. On self-compassion and self-care in nursing: Selfish
or essential for compassionate care?. International journal of nursing studies. 52(4).
pp.791-793.
Paley, J., 2014. Cognition and the compassion deficit: the social psychology of helping
behaviour in nursing. Nursing Philosophy. 15(4). pp.274-287.
Rogers, R. L., 2014. Mathematical logic and formalized theories: a survey of basic concepts and
results. Elsevier.
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Slocum-Gori, S. and et.al., 2013. Understanding compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue
and burnout: A survey of the hospice palliative care workforce. Palliative Medicine. 27(2).
pp.172-178.
Smart, D., and et.al., 2014. Compassion fatigue and satisfaction: A cross‐sectional survey among
US healthcare workers. Nursing & health sciences. 16(1). pp.3-10.
Straughair, C., 2012. Exploring compassion: implications for contemporary nursing. Part
1. British Journal of Nursing. 21(3).
Sykes, S. and et.al., 2013. Understanding critical health literacy: a concept analysis. BMC public
health. 13(1). p.150.
Online
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