This document discusses the art and science of nursing. It defines the art of nursing as caring, compassion, effective communication and holistic care. The science of nursing includes using the nursing process, knowledge of disease processes, critical thinking, evidence-based research and skills. Social factors like income, education and gender can influence nursing. Evidence-based practice and nursing research help shape the science of nursing practice. Jean Watson's caring theory and Florence Nightingale's early work were influential in defining the art of nursing.