What are the six Cs of nursing?
As an aspiring nurse, you’ll be preparing to play a vital role in public health and patient care. One of the most important foundations of nursing practice is understanding the six Cs of nursing. These principles guide how nurses deliver care and interact with patients, families, and colleagues.
If you are new to these principles, or want to know more about how to become a nurse, then it's very important to be aware of them. All nurses should keep them at the forefront of their minds in their day-to-day role.
Developed by the Department of Health in England during the 2010s, the six Cs of nursing are a set of values key to how all health and social care staff work. Their primary aim is to ensure that patients get compassionate and attentive care consistently.
These six fundamentals were built on the values, pledges and rights set out in the NHS Constitution. They are values that patients, the public and staff should expect, as they aim to support care professionals to deliver excellent care.
Why are the six Cs of nursing important?
The six Cs of ensures that patients get the highest quality level of service as they empower nurses to deliver the best possible healthcare. Whether that be through professionalism or communication with families and patients themselves.
They aren't just important for experienced nurses either - they’re vital for students too. They shape your approach to learning, clinical placements, and future practice. By keeping these values at the forefront, you’ll build a strong foundation for your nursing career.
Understanding the six Cs of nursing
Each of the ‘Cs’ carry equal weight and focus on putting patients and their needs at the heart of everything that nurses do.
The definitions of the six Cs, as set out in the NHS Compassion in Practice document, are as follows:
Examples of the six Cs of nursing
To understand the six Cs of nursing in a little more depth, here are some examples of each of the ‘Cs’ in a healthcare professional’s working day.
Why do a degree in nursing?
Learning to provide care that reflects the six Cs is essential for every future nurse. These values guide you to deliver safe, respectful, and patient-focused care. If you want to grow as a professional, our BSc (Hons) Nursing with Registered Nurse (Adult) course is a great way to start building these principles into your practice.
The programme is designed for students who want to make a real impact in healthcare. Throughout the course, you’ll gain knowledge and practical skills that strengthen your competence and communication.
You’ll also build a range of clinical skills through a mix of classroom learning and hands-on placements. This will ensure you enter the workforce prepared for the challenges and rewards of nursing.
Wondering what other options are available? Explore our full list of nursing courses. If, however, you're not sure which nursing field is right for you, you can check out our helpful guide on choosing a nursing field.
