Members of society influence and are influenced by the society in which they live. A democratic society creates an environment in which human rights, diverse beliefs, and goals are respected. The dynamic and increasingly complex nature of a global society influences all aspects of the environment. Health is a dynamic state of physiological, spiritual, psychological, and sociological functioning which changes with time and circumstance. It is defined by each individual, family, group, aggregate or community.
Optimal health is the achievement of health potential.
Nursing as a professional discipline is both a science and an art. The science of nursing is a body of theoretical and empirical knowledge. The art of nursing is the holistic application of nursing science, behavioral and natural science, the humanities, and the arts. Holistic nursing practice is directed toward health promotion, disease prevention, and care of the well, ill and dying client. This is effected through use of the lifeskills of communication, critical thinking, assessment, nursing interventions, evaluation, professional behavior, and system management.