The art of nursing: the client-nurse relationship as a therapeutic tool.

The C-N relationship is the cornerstone and essence of mental health/psychiatric nursing. However, that process has the same potential for nursing in general. The C-N relationship is an interpersonal, interactive, and ongoing relationship set up to assist clients in the continuous evolution toward quality health and well-being. Although this article focuses primarily on the mental health population, the value of a positive working C-N relationship is paramount in addressing all health care issues. The C-N relationship is, indeed, a therapeutic tool that can generate positive side effects, enhance treatment approaches, and greatly influence favorable health care outcomes. It is easy to apply, is flexible, and, when used effectively, can generate the power within health care situations to determine desired health care outcomes.