Society is the human subsystem of environment. Society is an open system and culture is the vehicle by which the system is perpetuated, regulated, and differentiated. Communities serve as subsystems of society in which interaction occurs and the delivery of health care takes place. The non-human elements of environment are the physical, chemical, and biological systems with which clients interact. Environmental stimuli challenge development and maturation of clients.
Health can vary on a continuum from optimum health to ill health, including death.
Optimum health is defined as the presence of structural and functional integrity reflecting a client s biological, psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual potential. Health is dependent on the client's ability, willingness, and resources to meet and engage the environment in a manner that potentiates optimal health. Actual and perceived health potentials depend on value systems, cultural influences, educational experiences, genetics and variables which are environmental, biological, psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual in nature. As these variables shift and change, so does the health status of clients. Nursing is a science and an art with the goal of providing for the health and healing needs of clients.