HeartMath®: A University Initiative

FAU CON Philosophic Framework

Nurturing the wholeness and well-being of others in caring is the focus of nursing at FAU (FAU, 2012). This definition guides the practice of nursing in which the nurse responds uniquely to the call for caring from the one nursed. This approach is patient/client focused, grounded in compassion, and draws on the broad knowledge base of the nurse, who provides care for the whole patient/client: mind, body, and soul. The nurse asks the patient/client “What matters most to you at this moment and how can I be helpful to you?” The verbal and/or written responses to the questions then form the essence of a plan of care directed toward nurturing the wholeness and wellbeing of the patient/client. In the authors’ experience everyone has hopes and dreams of caring for themselves and of living a balanced life. Tenets of social cognition and self-regulation are helpful in supporting an individual’s desire for living a coherent life in harmony with self, others, and the environment.