[Independently offered care and health promotion--a vision of the future? Presentation and discussion of Erickson, Tomlin and Swain's Nursing Theory, describing a "nurse-managed wellness clinic" in the U.S.A].

The article presents Erickson, Tomlin & Swain's theory and paradigm of nursing and describes an example of its application in a nurse-managed wellness clinic in the USA. Interviews with the staff before and after a visit as a participant observer, as well as analyses of the project documentation provided information. The application of the theory in this practical setting is discussed. Emphasis is given to organizational structures that allow autonomy for nursing and therefore provide ideal conditions for the application of the nursing theory.