When a nurse helps a client and family set and meet goals, which professional role is the nurse demonstrating?

The nurse is demonstrating the role of a caregiver when helping a client and their family set and meet goals. In this capacity, the nurse provides direct care to the patient and supports the family through the healthcare process. This involves not only administering treatments and medications but also collaborating with clients and their families to establish realistic and achievable health goals based on their needs, preferences, and circumstances.

The caregiver's role encompasses a holistic approach, ensuring that physical, emotional, and psychological aspects are addressed as the client progresses towards their goals. By engaging in this goal-setting, the nurse fosters a supportive environment that empowers clients and their families to take an active role in their healthcare, which is essential for achieving desired health outcomes.

In contrast, the other roles such as advocate, educator, and researcher have different focuses. Advocates primarily work to protect and promote the interests of patients, educators concentrate on providing knowledge and skills necessary for self-management, and researchers focus on generating new knowledge to improve practice. While these roles are all vital in nursing, the caregiver role is specifically centered around direct support and partnership with clients in their healthcare journey.