Immediacy refers to the feeling of being able to approach someone and become
involved in a relationship (Burgoon & Hale, 1987). In evaluating a relationship that
displays immediacy, the desirable behaviors signify that a person is approachable, willing
to become involved, and able to display affection for another person. Through
understanding or empathy, a nurse becomes involved with and gets to know a patient.
Within a nurse-patient relationship, intimacy is authenticated by the caring behaviors
displayed by a nurse for a patient.