The nursing theorist provides nurses and nursing students with a framework from which to consider nursing practice. (Hood, L. & Leddy, S., 2006, p. 107) The nursing theorist provides us with an understanding of why and how nursing actions should be practiced with the patient in mind. In investigating various theories of nursing practice, Katharine Kolcaba stands out for her attention to comfort. Katharine Kolcaba's theory touches on the external and internal processes that culminate in the perception of patient comfort and lead to an integrated approach to healthcare. Katharine Kolcaba is an extraordinary woman who has made a mark on nursing. Her passion for comfort is something all nurses need to embrace. This article will explore the life and work of Katharine Kolcaba. Katharine Kolcaba lists one of the most influential events in her life as the death of her father when she was eight years old (Kolcaba K., Frequently Asked Questions, 2010). This event led her to grow up without her father. He confides his desire to work in gerontology to his paternal grandmother, who he visited every summer (Kolcaba K., Frequently Asked Questions, 2010). She decided to pursue a nursing career in high school because she liked people and had an aptitude for science (Kolcaba K., Frequently Asked Questions, 2010). She also received a full scholarship to a diploma program, which allowed her to help her brother with his classes at a state university (Kolcaba K., Frequently Asked Questions, 2010). He did not focus on his university studies until his late thirties, waiting for his children to become older and more independent (Kolcaba K., Frequently Asked Questions, 2010). She attributes her work with dementia patients to l...... middle of paper ......994). A holistic comfort theory for nursing. Joumal of Advanced Nursing,, 19, 1178-1184. Kolcaba, K. (2001, March). Evolution of middle-range comfort theory for outcomes research. Nursing Outlook, 49(2), 86-92. Kolcaba, K. (2010, July 27). Curriculum Vita of Katharine Y. Kolcaba. Retrieved July 9, 2011, from Comfort Line: http://www.thecomfortline.com/files/Kolcaba%20Curriculum%20Vitae.pdfKolcaba, K. (2010). Frequently asked questions. Retrieved July 19, 2011, from The Comfort Line. com: http://www.thecomfortline.com/home/faq.html#personalKolcaba, K. (2010). The comfort line. Retrieved July 19, 2011, from The Comfort Line: http://www.thecomfortline.com/home/intro.htmlKolcaba, K., Tilton, C., & Drouin, C. (2006, November). Comfort theory: A unifying framework for improving the practice environment. The Journal of Nursing Administration, 36(11), 538-544.