ADDENDUM 4

:
DRAFT OF WORKING DOCUMENT ON

CARITAS LITERACY
*
* reprinted with permission of worki
ng subgroup from International Caritas
Consortium. (June 2007)
(
Subgroup of International Ca
ritas Consortium: Gene
Rigotti, Joanne Duffy, Jim D
Alfonso, Teri Woodward, Jean Watson) reprinted with
permission
CARITAS LITERACY
Caritas Literacy is used instead of the
more technical term competencies to
acknowledge that caring and caritas cons
ciousness encompasses unique attributes.
These human and humane attributes, include
an intentional, cultivated, and learned
approach of the whole person to have flue
ncy and learned ski
lls of emotional and
heart-centered- intell
igence, knowledge and skillful ways of Being-Human; to
cultivate a consciousness evolution that op
ens up the higher level
energetic infinite

spiritual field of ones humanity.

Othersrefers to all people one encounters-patients, families, visitors, coworkers,
volunteers, everyone; every race, co
lor, creed, nationality, life style
Caritas Consciousness:
Practice of loving kindness and equani
mity within the context of caring
consciousness.
My respect for this patient allow
ed me to be available to him/her.

Opens to connectedness with self,

others, environment and universe.

Models self care a

nd caring for others.

Validates uniqueness of
self and others.

Acknowledges acts of kindness (i.e. Seeds etc.)

Honors own and others gifts and talents

Recognizes vulnerabilities
in self and other.
Treats self and others
with loving kindness.
Listens respectfully and with
genuine concern to others.
Accepts self and others as they are.
Demonstrates respect for self and others.
9

Listens to others.
9
Treats others with kindness.
9
Pays attention to others.
9
Accepts others as they are Respects others.
Being Authentically Present, and enabling a
nd sustaining the deep
belief system of
self and one being cared for.
By listening, I was able to honor this patients
belief system and enable him/her to feel his own
sense of faith/hope.

Creates opportunities for si

lence/reflection/pause.

Views life as a mystery to be explored vs. a problem to be solved.

Able to release cont

rol to higher power.
Interacts with caring arts and sciences
to promote healing and wholeness.
Incorporates others values, beliefs, and wh
at is meaningful and important to them
into the care plan.
9
Utilizes appropriate eye contact and touch.
9
Calls others by their preferred name.
9
Helps others to believe in themselves.
9
Supports others beliefs.

9
Supports others sense of hope.
9
Encourages others in their
ability to go on with life.
Cultivation of ones own spiritual practice
s and transpersonal self, going beyond ego
self. (working from a consciou
sness of heart centeredness 4
th

chakra and above

By being more responsive to the patients needs and
feelings, I was able to create a more trusting
relationship.

Practiced self reflection-demonstrates willingness to explore ones

feelings,
beliefs and values for self growth.
(Journaling, prayer, me
ditation, artistic
expression)

Practices discernment in evaluating ci

rcumstances and situations vs., being
judgmental.

Develops meaningful rituals for practici

ng gratitude, forgiveness, surrender and
compassion
.
Transforms tasks into car
ing-healing interactions.
Demonstrates ability to forgive self and others.
9
Demonstrates interest in others.
Developing and sustaining helping-trus

ting authentic caring relationship.

I develop helping-trusting caring relationships
with patients, families and members of the
healthcare team.

Enters into the experience to explore th

e possibilities in the moment and in the
relationship.

Holds others with unconditional love and regard.