Compassion in Preregistration Nurse Education: An Integrated Review

The evolving, dynamic and challenging healthcare landscape requires that the art and science of nursing equip preregistration nursing students (PNS) with the knowledge and skills to positively respond to these changes. Central to PNS’ ability to demonstrate competence in the fundamentals of nursing care are core nursing attributes to meaningfully engage and attend to patients’ in delivering compassionate care and meeting their needs. The literature identifies the process of delivering compassionate care as a human dimension of caring that is complex and multifaceted. This paper discusses the concept of compassion in nursing education for PNS, its significance in the healing process and the challenges around building compassionate capacities for the future nursing workforce.