Abstract
Human caring, while instinctive, can also be taught, learned, and measured through the nursing education system. For decades information has been obtained that suggests people enter nursing because they value interpersonal relationships, altruism, and a desire to help others. Building on this "caring ethic," nursing students can be professionally trained so that the very best in nursing comes through in their practice. By using nursing theory, students realize their potential while gaining all requisite skills and competencies of today's practicing nurse. They enter the workforce with excitement and enthusiasm, confident that reflective, patient-centered care is always the goal.