when viewed vertically, trust in the patient/nurse relationship depends upon the nurse possessing a certain knowledge and skill set. Trust, therefore, is the keystone and most basic component of therapeutic relationships in medicine. be an advocate for the patient. Horizontally, trust manifests itself as a two-way (and often many more) street in terms of communication, adherence to therapies prescribed by the physician, and the “will-to-power” (a patient’s will to live and recover from disease) which can be exchanged, energetically, between a nurse and patient. I would propose, however, that the profession of nursing go further, taking positive actions of love, tolerance, and service to patients and their families whenever possible.
