Compassion and connectedness Sample Clauses

Compassion and connectedness. The meaning of compassion suggests that compassion is relational and is demonstrated through connection and interaction with the person experiencing suffering or pain (Xxxxx et al, 2004). Xxxx (2001) argues that connectedness is the basis of compassion and without connection, suffering would not be acknowledged and compassion cannot be expressed. This connection between the person showing compassion and the individual suffering is similar to the nurse-patient relationship during care delivery. In this regard, the expression of compassion requires the nurse to feel connected to the person suffering. The connection between the nurse and the patient when the nurse shows compassion towards the patient impacts on both the nurse and the patient (Jull, 2001; Xxxxx, 2009). Xxxxx (2009) explains that both the nurse and the patient are affected by the interaction that takes place when the nurse shows compassion towards the patient. This is consistent with Xxxxxx’x theory of transpersonal caring, where the care provider and care receiver participate in the caring that occurs in the relationship and allows the one who is cared for, through their suffering, to provide the opportunity for the care provider to have satisfaction from caring and in turn enhances the humanity of the care provider (Xxxxxx, 1989). This view is supported by XxxXxx (1995) who perceives compassion as a social construct which has the capacity to influence both people in the relationship. In this context, when the nurse is compassionate towards the patient, the patient could benefit from receiving compassionate care and the nurse could also have a positive experience (Jull, 2001; Xxxxx, 2009). This suggests that there is reciprocity inherent in compassion (Jull, 2001; Xxxxx, 2009).