Nursing knowledge, both theory and research, are used to inform health care policy and provide the basis for nurses' voice for change and social reform. Nursing practice uses knowledge, both theory and research based, to guide care and promote change. The patient, as individuals, families, communities, and groups, is the central focus of nursing care. Nursing education, practice, and research assist in optimizing the patient experience within a caring environment. Nursing education reflects the reality of practice while providing students with the knowledge needed to reform and direct health care across settings.
Nurse mentors are essential to professional development and optimal patient care.
Nursing theory provides a framework for understanding the nurse-patient interaction and helps direct patient care. The continued preparation of nurses who can define the discipline to the public and other health care providers is critical to the advancement of the discipline. Nursing practice creates environments that optimize and differentiate the unique contributions of nurses to patient care and the health of the society.