The caregiver-healer role is based on sound theoretical principles in response to the health needs of clients. As the client is confronted with illness or crisis, nursing care assists individuals, families, and communities in meeting basic self-care requirements. The nurse leader has a role in planned change, whether change is realized through improved health for the individual or through improved community health awareness. The nurse leader accepts responsibility for understanding and altering forces that affect health care delivery. Linkages with social supports and advocacy are important components of the leadership role.
Advocacy encompasses mutual respect, cooperation and accountability.
The nurse as teacher fosters health promotion through client support and education. Teaching is a planned, goal-directed role of the nurse in collaboration with the client. Teaching clients to care for themselves is central to nursing practice and advances self-care and personal responsibility for health promotion and risk reduction. The teaching role of the nurse also involves instructing one's colleagues and motivating them toward lifelong learning. Research is critical for expanding nursing's body of knowledge.