The theory is the practice: an exemplar

The centerpiece of this article is an exemplar of an elderly woman who makes a startling revelation to a clinical nurse specialist who is making a consultative home visit related to a physical condition. The exemplar illustrates the uniquely powerful contribution of the nurse work of intentionality, presencing, mutuality, knowing, and caring in helping patients to heal. Newman's theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness provides the framework for a paradigm shift from a curative to a healing practice of nursing.