Vulnerability as a key to authenticity.

Purpose: Vulnerability is explored as a human trait that gives nurses an opportunity to engage in authentic nursing. Vulnerability in both nurse and patient is necessary for the practice of nursing with caring as its basic premise.

Organizing framework: Philosophic discourse.

Scope: Vulnerability is explored in terms of its traditional connotation and existential meaning.

Conclusions: To be authentic, nurses must be aware of their own vulnerability, recognize themselves in others, and be willing to enter into mutual vulnerability. If nurses deny the opportunity to be vulnerable, they deny the opportunity to participate in humanness and are more likely to dehumanize others.