Acting on Purpose in Clinical Care and Research

toward accomplishing the patient's individualized goals of care.We are intentional in how we assess patients and how we interpret their signs, symptoms, and experiences.We are deliberate in how we support patients, their families, and our coworkers.The wishes of the patient and family and the perspectives of each member of the team shape the decision-making process.We are intentional in our communication to facilitate alignment of the values of patients, families, and members of the health care team.Acting on purpose means that we are thoughtful and use evidence in aligning patient values, clinical goals, and ethics of care.Nursing, medicine, and all clinical professions are grounded in altruism.Altruism and valuing of service to others have been recognized as essential elements that define a profession since 1915 2,3 and are easily recognized in each of the health care professions.Individuals who enter careers in health care often express that they did so because they were motivated by the opportunity to serve others.Critical care nurses have substantive, meaningful impacts on the physical and emotional well-being of patients in their care.The ability to practice intentionally aligns with professional and personal values of nurses.As clinicians our knowledge, experience, and disciplinary and personal values guide our vision of what is right