title: Exploration of the relationship between caring and cost.
abstract: Cost and caring are both dimensions of holistic nursing practice. Each is a term that is complex and ambiguous yet assumed to be simple and well understood. Nurses need to examine the specific embedded assumptions of cost and caring; measure each; and demonstrate their inter-relationship and effects on patient outcomes. Integral to caring is "professional vigilance," which cannot be delegated; attempts to do so may incur future hidden costs. Nurses are urged to be alert to cost-shifting that affects caring and quality. Advocacy for cost-effective caring practices is urged through participation in governance structures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing Systems, School of Nursing, College of Professional Studies, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, USA.
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Valentine
mesh_terms: D003361:Cost Allocation; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004471:Economics, Nursing; D018939:Holistic Nursing / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires