Compassion is an important value to me for several reasons. It is a loving and caring feeling that motivates people to help others who are suffering from illnesses, diseases, etc. I believe compassion is important in nursing because nurses surround themselves with suffering patient’s every day. Showing compassion is to feel a sense of understanding for the patient’s situation. To emphasize, compassion is definitely my strongest value as an individual. I want to be able to be by the side of my patient to see them progress in their journey to optimal health. A personal story that really influenced me to become more compassionate was my mother passing away this year (2014). She became really sick late February and I really seen the loving, caring and compassionate individual emerge from me. I was motivated to help her in every way possible. I knew there was not much I could do but be by her side for her last moments. She looked at me, grabbed my hand and said “You’re going to be the perfect nurse one day, Caitlin.” I promised I would become a perfect nurse for her.

(Revised April 18th, 2016)