What Are the 6 Cs of Nursing?

A patient’s hospital experience goes beyond treatments and test results—it’s shaped by the care, compassion, and dedication of the registered nurses (RNs) who support them. Beyond clinical expertise, nursing is rooted in core values that ensure patients feel heard, respected, and well cared for.

To apply these values in practice, nurses follow guiding principles that shape their interactions and decision-making. These are called the 6 Cs of Nursing: care, compassion, competence, communication, courage, and commitment. Although originally created for the National Health Service (NHS) England in 2012,¹ these principles are regarded as universal and serve as a foundation for nursing excellence.

Let’s take a closer look at what each of the 6 Cs means in practice:²

1. Care: Nursing’s Core

At the heart of nursing is care—the commitment to meeting a patient’s physical, emotional, and psychological needs. It’s about more than just administering treatments; it’s about being present, listening, and ensuring that every patient feels valued and supported. Nurses who lead with care help create a healing environment where patients feel safe and respected.

2. Compassion: Empathy in Action

Compassion goes beyond kindness—it’s the ability to truly understand and connect with a patient’s experience. When nurses show empathy and genuine concern, they build trust and improve the overall healthcare experience. Studies have shown that compassionate care leads to better patient outcomes and fosters stronger relationships between patients and providers.³

3. Competence: Mastery of Skills

Competence is the foundation of safe and effective nursing. It means having the knowledge, skills, and training to provide high-quality care. Nurses must stay up to date with medical advancements, best practices, and evolving healthcare technologies. A commitment to lifelong learning—going from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), for example—can help ensure that nurses remain confident, adaptable, and prepared to handle any situation.

4. Communication: The Bridge to Understanding

Clear and effective communication is essential in nursing. It’s about more than giving instructions—it’s about listening, understanding, and collaborating with patients, families, and healthcare teams. Strong communication skills can help prevent errors, improve patient safety, and create a culture of trust and teamwork.

5. Courage: Becoming Fearless

Courage in nursing means standing up for what’s right, even in difficult situations. It’s about advocating for patients, challenging outdated practices, and making tough decisions under pressure. Nurses with courage aren’t afraid to speak up, take risks, and push for positive social change in healthcare.

6. Commitment: A Lifelong Journey

Commitment is dedication to the nursing profession and the well-being of patients. It’s about consistently showing up, giving your best, and striving to make a meaningful impact. Committed nurses go beyond their job descriptions—they become mentors, advocates, and leaders in healthcare.

Cultivating Excellence in Nursing Education

The commitment to excellence and ongoing development—a core tenet of the 6 Cs of Nursing—is seamlessly integrated into Chamberlain University’s nursing degree programs. By emphasizing lifelong learning and ethical responsibilities, Chamberlain ensures that its graduates are not only well-prepared but also deeply committed to making a meaningful impact in the healthcare profession.

Chamberlain’s nursing programs include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program with flexible learning options. You can earn an BSN online or combine campus and online learning. In this hybrid learning model, you’ll attend one of Chamberlain’s U.S. campuses and engage in coursework that is 100% online. If you choose the BSN online option, you may be able to complete your program in as few as three years.

If you’re ready to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), you’ll find a wide variety of specializations. RNs looking to enter a specific area of nursing or prepare for leadership roles can choose one of these options:

• Nurse Practitioner Tracks: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• Nursing Leadership and Education: Nurse Educator and Nurse Executive
• Specialized Fields: Nursing Informatics, Population Health, and Healthcare Policy
• Accelerated MSN: This option is for those seeking an advanced degree on a fast track

Nursing is a career for everyone, yet men remain underrepresented in the field, making up only about 12% of the U.S. nursing workforce.⁴ The profession needs diverse voices, skills, and leadership, and Chamberlain is committed to supporting all aspiring nurses—regardless of gender—in building rewarding careers.

To learn more about Chamberlain’s nursing degrees, you can request information online or call the admissions office at 877.751.5783. Whether you’re just starting out or are ready to advance your education, an online nursing program from Chamberlain can help you take the next step. Start your journey today and become part of the next generation of nursing professionals dedicated to excellence in patient care.

Chamberlain University, an HLC-accredited institution, offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs in nursing and healthcare professions. With a growing network of campuses and robust online programs, Chamberlain continues to build on more than 130 years of excellence in preparing extraordinary healthcare professionals.

¹Source: www.england.nhs.uk/blog/jane-cummings-4/

²Source: www.nhsprofessionals.nhs.uk/nhs-staffing-pool-hub/working-in-healthcare/the-6-cs-of-care

³Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37068438/

⁴Source: www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/nursing-workforce-fact-sheet

By Chamberlain University