Within most disciplines, there are those who are recognized by their colleagues as being exceptionally competent practitioners. These individuals do their work in such a remarkable way as to become a model for others. This book is based on a study of the beliefs, actions, and interactions of a group of extraordinary oncology nurses-the people their peers would choose to have care for them if they were diagnosed with cancer. Perry's weaving of interviewee's stories and her own field notes and poetry creates a very personal perspective on nursing that leaves the reader with a greater understanding of the experience, and rewards, of caring for others.

Beth Perry has worked as both a nurse and an educator in medicine, oncology, and palliative care. She has been an Associate Professor of Nursing and Health Studies at Athabasca University since 2001.

Preface: Situating Exemplary Nursing in Health Care Today Exemplary Nurses and Career Satisfaction Time to Care Nurses Respond to Moments in Time: Images of Exemplary Nursing Care Chapter 1: The Power and Promise of Exemplary Nursing Care Significance for Nurses Significance for Others Discovering Meanings The Organization of this Book Chapter 2: The Multi-layered Landscape Caring for People with Cancer My Memories Chapter 3: The Dialogue of Silence Learning to Use Silence Times When Silence is Useful The Gifts of Silence Forms of Silence Reflections on the Dialogue of Silence Chapter 4: Mutual Touch Mutual Touch Defined The Importance of Touch in Health Care The Nature of Touch Types of Touch Touch and Silence Chapter 5: Sharing the Lighter Side of Life The Lighthearted Attitude Defined The Value of Sharing Lightness Humour Comes in Many Forms Developing the Attitude The Trilogy Reviewed Chapter 6: The Effects of Exemplary Nursing Care Connecting Affirming the Value of the Patient Affirming the Value of the Nurse Joint Transcendence: Living the Extraordinary Chapter 7: Lessons Learned What Nurses Should Know Messages Addressed to Everyone What I Learned About Exemplary Nursing Appendix: Research Design and Methodology Qualitative Inquiry Hermeneutic Phenomenology Research Method References