I gave my first American Red Cross donation of blood at the start of the pandemic in 2020 and experienced the six principles of care for the first time.
I realized there might be a shortage of blood because of the coronavirus. I was inspired by the example of my father-in-law, who regularly gave blood before his death.
No one schedules a blood draw for the fun of it. Giving blood is uncomfortable. When done incorrectly, it can even hurt.
My first and subsequent experiences with giving blood were professional and personable. I return to the American Red Cross every two months because of my positive interactions with them.
I discovered that the six principles of care guide every American Red Cross donation of blood. We can benefit from applying these six principles to our interactions with hurting people at home, the workplace, and our places of worship.
6 Principles of Care for an American Red Cross donation.
What are the six principles of care I learned during my American Red Cross donation?
The six principles of care listed by the American Red Cross / CNA in their training materials are dignity, infection control, safety, communication, independence, and privacy. (I have paraphrased them below for clarity and brevity.)
Dignity. Be respectful and friendly. Where practicable, maintain face-to-face contact, speak directly to the individual, and use their name when addressing them.
Infection Control. Hands should be washed or sanitized before and after interactions. Wear gloves, use personal protective equipment, and use table barriers, garbage, and linen bags if appropriate. Carry linens and supplies away from the floor.
Safety. Validate/check the ID band, and welcome them by using the name on the band. Using proper body mechanics, lock your brakes, and, if possible, use side rails. Install a call light and provide warmth.
Communication. Introduce yourself by using your proper name and title. Remember to practice solid interpersonal skills such as conversing, interacting, and giving clear guidance. Explain the treatment (in non-medical terms); monitor and keep track of the results.
Independence. Request permission to carry out the operation (using non-medical terms). Please encourage them to make decisions and take charge of as much of their care as possible.
Privacy. Before entering, knock on the door to announce your presence, then close the door and the curtain. Drape them as needed; do not show their body excessively or unnecessarily.
Benefits of Principles of Care American Red Cross donation
What are the benefits of the six principles of care in an American Red Cross donation?
There are obvious benefits to the six principles of care.
If the interactions are pleasant, personable, and professional, an individual would probably give blood again. They might even encourage others to do the same. (It worked for me!)
If it hurts, I am unlikely to return. Discomfort is expected. But prolonged pain is not.
Adapting the American Red Cross Donation Principles.
How can you adapt and use the American Red Cross donation six principles of care in your relationships?
These six principles can apply to any caring relationship at home, work, or church.
Dignity. How much better would our relationships be if we maintained face-to-face contact and used an individual’s name when speaking directly to them? These simple behaviors affirm that God created them in his image and are worthy of love and respect.
Dignity is the foundation of any caring relationship; without it, relationships break even under the least stress. With it, they endure.
Infection Control. In caring for the hurting, do we maintain a standard of care for ourselves? We can become sick and even toxic to others if we are not careful.
Safety. Are we safe people for others to share their hurts and fears? Can we be silent and physically present to witness and experience someone else’s pain? Can we place their welfare above our convenience and preferences?
Communication. Are we able to engage in a two-way conversation? Some of us like to talk, while others prefer to listen. If we care, we will develop both skills and know when to use them.
Independence. Are we reluctant to entrust others with their care? Are we relationship control freaks?
Privacy. Can you keep confidence? Are you a person that is worthy of trust? We must remind ourselves that it is not our story to tell but theirs.
If a family declines to provide dignity and privacy, its members will look elsewhere for them.
If a workplace communicates poorly with its employees and creates an unsafe workplace, it will not retain its workforce.
If going to church hurts, an individual is unlikely to return. Discomfort is expected. But prolonged pain is not.
My American Red Cross donation experience convinced me that an emphasis on dignity, containing toxic relationships, creating a safe place to engage others, improved two-way communication, a willingness to let others actively participate in their healing, and respecting another’s privacy can lead to better relationships at home, work, and our communities.
Call To Action
Consider how you might implement the six care principles into your personal and work relationships.
Please consider scheduling an American Red Cross donation of blood to help others.
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My mission is to help individuals and churches become safe havens for the broken.