Healing during existential moments: the "art" of nursing presence.

This article addresses nursing presence, a phenomenon essential to holistic nursing care. The concept is introduced and explained, supporting background information is reviewed, barriers are identified, and successful applications are illustrated in different clinical settings. Avowing that metaphysical knowledge is the underpinning to the art of nursing presence, a Transformative Nursing Presence Model is offered as a distinctive framework for nurses and organizations interested in fostering enhanced nursing presence.