Nursing is a challenging, rewarding and a very exciting career. The nurse's role is not limited to changing bandages, giving needles and offering support, as the past has indicated. In fact, the role of the nurse in the present, is now one of advocate, caregiver, teacher, researcher, counselor, and case manager. The role of the nurse is limitless and it's importance to our health care system is vital in providing quality care. According to Pépin (1999), "nurses make up the largest body of health care providers in the system".
In nursing, according to Kozier, Erb, & Blais (1997), "the caregiver role has traditionally included those activities that assist the client physically and psychologically while preserving the client's dignity", (p.129). In order for a nurse to be an effective caregiver, the patient must be treated as whole. The caregiver role, is vital in providing direct quality care to a patient and is greatly influenced by the attitude of the nurse. …
