My paper discusses the goals of nursing by taking a look at two important aspects which make up the nursing profession, science and art. It talks about the importance of nursing science and knowledge, and the significant role they have for the future development of the nursing profession. This paper also takes a look at the art aspect of nursing. The art of nursing is a holistic view, which looks at caring for all facets of that individual whether they are mental, physical or spiritual. On top of this, the art of nursing also takes into account the nurses ability to remaining open minded towards patients and the important relationships nurses' hold with clients. .

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             The goal of nursing is to ".assist persons to achieve their optimum level of health in situations of normal health, illness, injury, or in the process of dying" (Canadian Nurses Association, 1998, pp.8). This goal can only be achieved in the nursing profession by the coming together of the two segments of health care; science and art. Nursing as a science involves the technological and research aspect of patient care. The art of nursing is a more holistic view and takes into account all the patients mental, physical and spiritual needs. This includes things like caring, being open-minded and having a strong relationship with the client no matter what differences in perspective or point of view lay between the nurse and the client. .

             Nursing as a Science.

             Knowledge is fundamental in the growth of any discipline. Talbot's work (as cited in Potter, Perry, 1997) states that knowledge is information, and discovery is the creative process of obtaining new knowledge. A body of knowledge is the collaboration of ideas, which included in the knowledge base, is research and experience. Research is used to scientifically prove theories as well as to discredit others. Personal experience may bring upon research and increase the body of knowledge.