The Eye of the Beholder

This article describes how practice with homeless persons in a community setting was guided by Parse's theory of nursing. The ways in which Parse's theory differs from the traditional problem-based approach are presented. Parse's practice method as lived with homeless individuals is described as it unfolded in both group sessions and individual encounters. Experiences common to all human beings in day-to-day relating with the world are presented from the perspectives of those who are homeless. Group sessions included discussions about love, pain, beauty, and the choices in life. Encounters with individuals clarify how Parse's theory guided the nurse as the person struggled to move on. Individuals involved with the center offered their perceptions of the way nurses interrelated with them. The evaluation of Parse's theory in various practice settings is proposed, and nurses are challenged to consider this innovative approach for guiding practice with all human beings.