Objective:

to reflect on the applicability of Holistic Theory in nursing care and research from the discussion of two thematic axes.

Methods:

theoretical study, built from reflections based on the scientific literature.

Results:

in the first axis, the theory is pointed out as an excellent reference to support the nursing care process and enable qualified and systematized care. In the second, it is understood as a theory that generates research; besides, the knowledge it produces, in addition to validating it, reveals its positive impacts on nursing care, confirming that theory, practice and research complement each other.

Conclusions:

the study brings significant contributions by raising reflections on the relevance of this theory for these two areas of nursing practice, contributing to the strengthening of its identity as a science and profession.