When we—or those close to us—are unwell, we want the best possible care. But what does that actually mean?

Nursing professionals play an essential role in healthcare and constitute its largest professional group. Yet, public perception of their expertise often remains vague. Looking at media portrayals of the nursing profession, one might think the work consists merely of holding hands and moving beds. In reality, however, nursing encompasses a wide range of highly specialized tasks and focuses on the individual from their first breath to their last.

The field has evolved from a rich history of practical experience. Today, a scientific approach is more indispensable than ever. Nursing science generates evidence-based knowledge to accurately assess care needs, implement care, and ensure actions are both effective and safe.

The exhibition *Nursing Perspectives* offers a multifaceted glimpse into the daily reality of nursing at a university hospital. Where images reach the limits of their storytelling capacity, staff members from both clinical practice and academia step in. Through interviews, they share their own interpretations of specific images, creating a new space for understanding the nursing profession.

And what do you see?

„Nursing Perspectives“ is the result of a collaboration between photographer Patricia Kühfuss and Prof. Jan Kottner, head of the Institute of Clinical Nursing Science at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.

The exhibition was curated and designed by Charlotte Schmitz and Flor Orpianesi. All images have been approved for use by the individuals depicted or their legal guardians.

We thank the Stiftung Charité for funding this project, and all participating patients, family members, as well as staff from the following departments, for their support and trust:

Department of Neurosurgery

Department of Surgery

Department of Neonatology

Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care

Medicine OR Management (Anesthesia and OR Support Services)

Department of Neurology

Department of Pediatric Surgery

German Heart Center at Charité Central Emergency Department

As well as other staff from the faculty and hospital

Note: This exhibition depicts the reality of everyday hospital life and may be distressing, depending on individual experiences.