Caring relationships occur with individuals, family, communities, and societies as a whole. Nursing by its nature brings intentionality to the therapeutic process. In addition to being for the other, the nurse acts for the other. Actions of the nurse focus on health. Health involves fulfilling human potential and enabling well being for individuals, families, communities, and groups.
Some nurses refer to the goal of nursing action as movement on the health-illness continuum.
For the nurse, the human encounter is purposeful and focuses on building and bridging human possibilities. The nurse uses both philosophic and scientific knowledge to empower others. Nursing knowledge is based on understandings and values related to the nature of persons. The science of nursing involves complex ways of knowing, including clinical wisdom. Nurses strive to be competent and recognize their limitations.