As health care becomes more technically and scientifically focused, it becomes increasingly important that the patient does not become de-humanized in the process. And, increasingly, nurses are the key to ensuring medicine remains human centered.This groundbreaking new book demonstrates that human-centered care, a basic tenet of the philosophical basis of nursing practice, is the foundation of quality nursing care. In today's high-tech world of medicine, interpersonal relationships must be integrated with technological and scientific advances, placing equal importance on both communication and technical skills.The author, an internationally recognized expert in this field, explores the human interaction between nurses and patients. She offers a detailed method for studying the nature of nursing and a way for individual nurses to value their own nursing experiences and create possibilities for excellence in nursing care.This title expands and explains the basic concepts of Paterson and Zderad's "Humanistic Nursing Theory", showing its relevance to clinical practice, education, administration, and policy. It provides a conceptual framework from which the student can examine what nurses do and why. It shows students how to integrate theory into practice. It uses case studies to demonstrate concepts used in actual nursing practice. It provides nurses with an approach by which they can value their own nursing practice, establishing a direct relationship to personal and professional growth. It helps students prepare for this content in NCLEX-RN exam.