Demonstrating the "art" of caringIntroductionCaring is defined as an action by an individual or a group of people who show deliberate care and concern for one another and they act to serve an individual's best interests. The act of caring for others has been recognized as one of the most important aspects of the nursing profession and labeled an “art.” Nursing care includes the autonomous and collaborative care of individuals or groups, sick or healthy and in all contexts. A nurse's work includes promoting health and preventing disease, as well as caring for the sick, disabled, and dying; However, the most important aspect of nursing care is meeting a client's potential and actual health needs. As a patient is at one of the most vulnerable times in life, it is critical that nurses can actually demonstrate that they truly care for their patients by meeting a client's needs holistically rather than simply focusing on the visible or physiological needs of their patients . This essay will explore how nurses can demonstrate their care for their patients in a deliberate and meaningful way. Physiological Aspects of Care Genuine care and compassion are welcome characteristics of nurses and the nursing profession and the most basic demonstration of care shown by a nurse is to meet the physiological needs of a client. Physiological needs are classified as the first priority of care and are necessary to maintain positive health and well-being (Pearson, 2013). Examples of physiological needs include oxygen, adequate fluid and nutrition intake, maintenance of proper body temperature, shelter, sex, and regular elimination of waste (McLeod, 2007; Pearson, 2013). For a nurse to meet these needs and demonstrate that they care about…half of paper…as this improves the overall well-being of the client. Both Thomas (2011) and McMurray (2009) agree that a nurse who displays attitudes and behaviors that value the client as a human being improves the client's perception of what is considered a “caring” nurse. This was particularly evident in an article based on the personal experience of a newly registered nurse and her interactions with an elderly resident in her facility (cite article - nursing world). It was evident that the nurse's promotion of open communication and respect for the client improved the delivery of care provided and the client was willing to engage personally with the new nurse. Therefore, it is important for a nurse to recognize, value and respect a patient's personal beliefs or decisions to demonstrate that they care about their emotional and mental well-being and not just their physical condition..