A nurse is providing presence to a patient and the family. Which nursing action does this involve?

A) Focusing on the task that needs to be done
B) Providing closeness and a sense of caring
C) Jumping in to provide patient comfort
D) Being there without an identified goal

Providing presence is a person-to-person encounter conveying closeness and a sense of caring. "Being there" seems to depend on the fact that a nurse is attentive to the patient more than the task. "Being with" means being available and at the patient's disposal. If the patient accepts the nurse, the nurse will be invited to see, share, and touch the patient's vulnerability and suffering. Jumping in may not be welcomed. Being there is something the nurse offers to the patient with the purpose of achieving some patient care goal.