Accountable for their actions, human beings have the potential for self-direction and rational decision making as they maintain, preserve, and promote health. Environment is also the aggregate of societal expectations, which are reflected, in the intracultural and intercultural interaction of the human being with families, groups, and communities. It is the integration of the multiple dimensions of life which when working in harmony creates wholeness and lead to a sense of well-being and satisfaction. Health is influenced by the individual's genetic endowment, developmental stage, lifestyle, and environmental situation. Health includes personal responsibility to care for one's self and behaviors to promote health and prevent disease.
Nursing is a unique, practice oriented discipline that meets a societal goal.
The science of nursing is concerned with critical thinking, problem solving, and the application of knowledge. The art of nursing contribute to health enhancement in three categories- promotion, protection, and prevention of disease. The ultimate goal of nursing is to optimize health by interpreting and influencing responses to health and illness. The attainment of optimal health requires collaboration between the nurse and client as well as with professionals from other disciplines. Teaching is a complex operation based upon a theoretical body of knowledge.