Most nurses will tell you they chose their profession because of a desire to "help others" or to "make a difference" in other's lives, their community or the world. This is a social contract, a commitment to serving society with professional rights and responsibilities. This is also a career choice with public accountability. The Nurses' Bill of Rights, while not a contract, is a mechanism for understanding and addressing the concerns of nurses in their practice environments. Its seven premises are recognized by nurses across the country as necessary for sound professional practice.