The image of a dancing circle is also used to describe being for and being with the nursed. In the circle, all persons are committed to knowing self and other as living and growing in caring. Each dancer makes a distinct contribution because of the role assumed. The dancers in the circle do not necessarily connect by holding hands although they may. Each dancer moves within this dance as called forth by the nature of the nursing situation. The nursed calls for services of particular dancers at various points in time. Each person is in this circle because of their unique contribution to the person being cared for ... nurses, administrators, human resources, etc. These roles would not exist if it were not for the nursed. There is always room for another person to join the dance. Rather than the vertical view described earlier, this model fosters knowing other. Eye-to-eye contact assists one to know and appreciate each other as caring persons. Each person is viewed as special and caring. No one person's role is more or less important than the other's. Each role is essential in contributing to the process of living grounded in caring. As each person authentically expresses their commitment in being there for and with the nursed, caring relationships are lived. When the focus in any health care institution fails to be the person cared-for, purpose, roles, and responsibilities become depersonalized and bureaucratic rather than person-centered and caring. Personal knowing--knowing of self and other--is integral to the connectedness of persons in this dance. The nursing administrator interfaces with persons of many disciplines as well as with the nursed. With each interaction, the nurse administrator is honest and authentic in encouraging others to know and live out who they are. Each encounter with another is an opportunity for knowing other as caring person. From an organizational standpoint the nursing administrator assists in creating a community that appreciates, nurtures, and supports each person as they live and grow in caring moment to moment. The nursing administrator assists nurses to hear and understand the unique calls for nursing and supports and sustains their nurturing response. REFERENCES