The practice of presencing

To understand philosophical foundations for this fundamental nursing intervention, and to review literature and expert nurses' experiences to describe how to be present to persons with cancer.

Author's qualitative research of nurses' experiences of presencing; theoretical and clinical nursing perspectives; books by theologian Martin Buber.

Presencing requires deliberate focused attention, receptivity to the other person, and persistent awareness of the other's shared humanity. "Being there" provides comfort for both patient and nurse.

Literature reviewed offer the elements of presenting (eg, providing affirmation, communication of empathy, being without words). Identification of such elements can assist the reader to implement this intervention.