The critical care nurses were the instrument for transformation to occur among patients and family members during critical illness in the ICU, through the nursing care they provided and by promoting adaptation. Nurses believed that human systems function in a holistic manner with each aspect related to and affected by the other. Nurses also were aware that
they are part of the critically ill patient’s environment. The interaction of this human adaptive system and the environment (i.e. nurse, patients, family members, and the healthcare team in the ICU) was a reflection of adaptation towards the goal of becoming integrated and whole. Nurses accepted and recognised the importance of family members, significant others,
and support systems to the critically ill patients. They fostered interdependence among the patients and family members. They also allowed them to be active participants in the provision of care and supported them during this time of crisis to the family. During this process, the nurses themselves experienced transformation.