Distinguishing Nursing Art: Patient, Researcher, and Student Views: Nursing Is an Art: “Frances's Story”: Student Response

In this response to research, the author likens the art of nursing to a work of art: abstract with blurred lines but lots of opportunity for interpretation. Frances, a patient interviewed by Dr. Kathryn Gramling as part of her research into patients' perception of nursing care, along with her family, felt comforted by her nurse, who devoted some of his own time to ensuring that Frances understood the procedure she needed and spent time meeting her need for human contact. The author experienced something similar during a hospital stay: She too had a nurse who spent time and gave comfort. The result is that the author understands the art of nursing as it relates to an extra effort to be human and demonstrate empathy. The poem written by Dr. Gramling in response to Frances confirms the patient's view of the art of nursing.