title: The transformative potential of realigning Agape and Eros in the continued development of nursing's role.
abstract: Nursing may reach its highest potential when there is an integration of Agape love and Eros love within nursing. That is, an ontological framework from which service and giving of the self are aligned with creative power and development of the self. The concepts of Eros and Agape give the nurse tools to understand the contradictions of nursing and to find increased purpose, peace, and strength in her own work. For the field of nursing, the concepts of Eros and Agape offer a pathway to redefining a heroic role of service. Such a redefined role may help nursing become increasingly responsive to the true reality of human needs, from direct contact with a patient to involvement in international health.
authors.affiliation: sarahmaher@post.com
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Valentine-Maher