6Cs + Principles = Care

For example, the first of the

Linda Watterson brings together the Care campaign’s concerns –
communication – encompasses
chief nursing officer for England’s 6Cs better listening and shared
decision making. It includes
with the RCN’s Principles of Nursing accurate record-keeping
and sensitive handling of
information, and points us
Every nurse needs to be mindful It recognises that everyone who towards effective team working.
of their personal contribution enters a care setting is entitled This highlights the way in
to the quality of care delivery. to these four aspects of care as which a good patient experience
Crucially, this involves the a human right. It encourages is not only about what the patient
everyday nursing interactions and nurses, nursing directors, chief sees and feels happening, but
activities that make up a patient’s executives and non-executive is about what the nurse does
direct experience of care. directors of NHS organisations elsewhere, away from the bedside.
Each nurse needs a clear to strive to make them a reality. The table can be used to aid
understanding of what constitutes The list clearly reflects that individual reflections. Think
good nursing. They should patients see nursing as not just about a recent interaction
then consider whether their about what you are doing, but with a patient. What stood out
personal values and behaviours the way you are doing it. positively? What elements made
encompass all of these factors England’s chief nursing officer this positive in your view?
and if they are confident that Jane Cummings, in her vision for Can you identify anything
they demonstrate them in action. nursing set out in Compassion from the table within these
This article offers a means in Practice, states that nurses positive elements? Having
of undertaking such reflection must ensure they are ‘delivering recognised this, how do you
by bringing together the Royal quality of care as well as quality of feel? What learning can you take
College of Nursing’s Principles treatment’. She proposes 6Cs for forward from this reflection?
of Nursing Practice, the CNO’s nursing, midwifery and care staff Similarly, you can use the table
6Cs and the Nursing Standard/ that focus on putting patients at to generate a team discussion
Patients Association CARE the heart of everything they do. about behaviour, attitudes and
campaign. good nursing care. It may help
The four most common areas Need for reflection you to identify what needs to be
of complaint from hospital Devised with wide stakeholder improved, and occasions when
patients and relatives received input, the 6Cs outline ‘enduring you provided good care.
by the Patients Association are values and beliefs that underpin Mapping the RCN’s Principles
addressed in the CARE campaign: care wherever it takes place’. of Nursing Practice with the
C – Communicate with Like the 6Cs, the RCN’s CNO’s 6Cs is an accessible way
compassion. Principles of Nursing Practice of highlighting core professional
A – Assist with toileting, cover aspects of behaviour, values and behaviours.
ensuring dignity. attitude and approach that As a nurse, you need to be
R – Relieve pain effectively. underpin good nursing care. The confident that your approach
E – Encourage adequate nutrition. principles apply to all nursing to nursing embraces these and
staff, in any setting. that you demonstrate them in
Delivering quality care can be guided by mutual They were developed through action. Reflecting on this can
sets of priorities as outlined in the chief nursing working with patients, the public, help you to understand how
officer’s ‘6Cs’, the RCN’s Principles of Nursing healthcare colleagues and nurses, quality nursing care is achieved
Practice and Nursing Standard’s Care campaign.
SUMMARY

and are endorsed by the Nursing
Nurses can use the table opposite to help them and Midwifery Council and
reflect on their own approach to patient care. patient groups.
The table opposite, which
Author Linda Watterson maps the RCN’s principles and
is project leader for the the 6Cs together, shows that
RCN’s Principles at Work both are concerned with similar
issues as the Care campaign.
and where you fit in to making
sure it is delivered NS
Further information
The Care campaign
www.thecarecampaign.co.uk
Compassion in Practice
www.england.nhs.uk/nursingvision
Principles of Nursing Practice
www.rcn.org.uk/principles

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 Nursing care essentials for reflection and practice

Nursing care essentials for reflection and practice

6Cs 6Cs definitions RCN Principles of Nursing Practice RCN Principles
themes

are Principle D Advocacy, empowerment,

is our core business and that of our Nurses and nursing staff provide and promote care that patient-centred care and
organisations. The care we deliver helps puts people at the centre; involves patients, service patient involvement in
CARE

the individual person and improves the users, their families and their carers in decisions; their care.
health of the whole community. Caring defines us and our and helps them make informed choices about their
work. People receiving care expect it to be right for them treatments and care.
consistently throughout every stage of their lives.

ompassion Principle A Dignity, equality and

COMPASSION

is how care is given, through relationships Nurses and nursing staff treat everyone in their care diversity, and humanity.
based on empathy, respect and dignity. It with dignity and humanity. They understand their
can also be described as intelligent kindness individual needs, show compassion and sensitivity, and
and is central to how people perceive their care. provide care in a way that respects all people equally.

ompetence Principle F Evidence-based practice,

COMPETENCE

means all those in caring roles must have
the ability to understand an individual’s
health and social needs and the expertise,
clinical and technical knowledge to deliver effective care
based on research and evidence.
Nurses and nursing staff have up-to-date knowledge technical skills, education,
and skills, and use these with intelligence, insight and training and clinical
understanding in line with the needs of each individual reasoning.
in their care.

ommunication Principle E Communication, handling

is central to successful caring relationships Nurses and nursing staff are at the heart of the feedback, record-keeping,
and to effective team working. Listening communication process: they assess, record and report reporting and monitoring.
COMMUNICATION

is as important as what we say and do, on treatment and care; handle information sensitively
and essential for ‘no decision about me without me’. and confidentially; deal with complaints effectively;
Communication is the key to a good workplace, with and are conscientious in reporting the things they are
benefits for staff and patients alike. concerned about.

Principle G Care and treatment,

ourage
enables us to do the right thing for the
people we care for, to speak up when we
have concerns and to have the personal
strength and vision to innovate and to embrace new ways
COURAGE
Nurses and nursing staff work closely with multidisciplinary and
their own team and with other professionals, making multi-agency working,
sure patients’ care and treatment is co-ordinated, is of a and co-ordination,
high standard and has the best possible outcome. integration and continuity
of care.
Principle B Ethical integrity, legal
Nurses and nursing staff take responsibility for the integrity, accountability
care they provide and answer for their own judgments and responsibility.
and actions. They carry out these actions in a way
that is agreed with their patients, and the families and

of working. carers of their patients, and in a way that meets the

requirements of their professional bodies and the law.

Principle C Safety of all people

Nurses and nursing staff manage risk, are vigilant about (patients, visitors and
risk, and help to keep everyone safe in the places they staff), the environment,
receive health care. organisational health and
safety, management of
risk, and clinical safety.

ommitment Principle H Leadership contributing

COMMITMENT

to our patients and populations is a
cornerstone of what we do. We need to
build on our commitment to improve the
care and experience of our patients, to take action to
make this vision and strategy a reality for all and meet the
health and social care challenges ahead.
Nurses and nursing staff lead by example, develop to an open and responsive
themselves and other staff, and influence the way culture.
care is given in a manner that is open and responds to
individual needs.

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