Practical knowledge and competencies of the healing role of the nurse practitioner.

This qualitative study describes the practical knowledge and competencies of the healing role of the nurse practitioner. The conceptual framework is based on Benner's (1984) domains of nursing practice and aspects of practical knowledge and Brykczynski's (1985) study of the clinical practice of nurse practitioners. The healing role is described within the context of the healing domain of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties' curriculum guidelines (Zimmer et al., 1990) and Benner's aspects of practical knowledge. The study used the interpretive research approach of Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenology. The findings contribute two maxims that constitute aspects of practical knowledge: "little things mean a lot" and "healing begins with listening," and two additional healing competencies: sensitive humor and risk taking.