An understanding of the client's concept of health is necessary to conduct relevant and effective health assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation. Client health concepts are affected by place of residence and further colored by specific community and individual level variations including occupation, education, subculture, age, gender, and health status. Rural nursing practice can be improved through knowledge of the health perceptions and definitions held by the rural clients to be served. Nursing, as a discipline, has traditionally emphasized the need to understand the client's perspective and to develop mutually agreed on health goals in collaboration with the client. Rural nursing practice offers unique opportunities to consider meanings of health within the environmental context. Further, it challenges nurses to work hand-in-hand with clients to develop strategies that fit the context, and thus effectively address rural health care needs.