To cry or not to cry: analyzing the dimensions of professional vulnerability.

In this article, the authors analyze the concept of professional vulnerability, as it relates to crying and the nursing profession. The span of potential professional vulnerability extends through all the nursing clinical, academic, and research environments. A dimensional analysis is the method used to analyze systematically how the concept of professional vulnerability is socially constructed and contextually situated in nursing. Professional vulnerability is demonstrated to have both negative and positive significances. Nurses' construction of vulnerability as a strength makes a significant difference in providing effective, positive holistic care. The objective of this analysis is to challenge the conventional views toward emotional and moral vulnerability in particular, leading to a holistic vision of hope and encouragement to benefit the future of nursing.