The rights and responsibilities of nurses and patients

The demand for 'rights' in all areas of society is overwhelming. Few consider that such rights also impose duties. This is true for both nurses and patients and if not acknowledge may result in conflict. The use of a social exchange model is considered as a pattern for this type of nurse-patient interaction. The development of this model by social anthropologists and sociologists appears particularly relevant indicating not only the economic aspects of exchange but also its symbolic role.