Nursing has always been recognized as a profession that provides care to patients. This is why we truly believe in "patient-centered" care. Our job requires that we be empathetic toward our patients and their families. However, without proper preparation, these demands may impact greatly on our physical and psychological health (Boyle, 2015). I like the idea that taking care of yourself and striving for optimal health helps you support those you love and care for (Hellebrand, 2017). How can we persuade our patients to follow the recommendations of our research if we are not the best model for implementing evidenced-based findings?

This issue of The Journal of Nursing Research includes several patient-focused research articles that apply different research methods. A phenomenological approach was used to interview adolescents with Type 1 diabetes about how they manage diabetes in their daily lives. The results reinforce the importance of care providers providing more appropriate care to these adolescents. A second study compared abdominal obesity among breast cancer patients. Based on measurements of metabolic syndrome risk factors and health-related activities, the researchers identified predictors and behaviors to improve patient health. A third study applied systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the effects of a life review intervention on quality of life in terminal patients. When cure and prevention are not possible, the findings and recommendations of these studies may offer viable options for patients.

Of course, we also highly endorse studies conducted on our dear colleagues. This issue includes cross-sectional surveys that explore problem-solving skills and empathy in operating room nurses, job satisfaction in psychiatric nurses, and occupational burnout and spiritual care in general clinical nurses. There is also a study that used a semi-structured interview format to investigate the lived experience of talented individuals who, although certified as nurses in their own country, are permitted to work only as care workers in Taiwan. The results of these studies may benefit similar research in the future and/or have health policy implications.

In conclusion, understanding how to care for yourself makes you better prepared and able to care for others. We see patients on a daily basis. We all experience the same cycle of life - birth, life, sickness, and, ultimately, death. Nonetheless, conducting research represents a path forward to enriching the lives of our patients and ourselves as well. Please be a life-long learner and a researcher. I hope you find our articles enlightening and beneficial.

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