This article presents a discussion of the meaning of the phenomenon of seeing the big picture in nursing. Seeing the big picture is a frequent expression among Danish nurses. It is used when trying to understand a situation in its wider context. However, it has a rather imprecise meaning that might lead to misunderstandings. This paper draws on studies undertaken in the mid 1990s and the early 2000s, but with the current discussion developed in the context of contemporary nursing. Seeing the big picture indicates a desire to do good for patients' and staff. This desire expressed through saying 'I need to see the big picture' is discussed to be a backbone in nursing and nursing leadership and a source of human and professional pride. There is, however, a dilemma if nurses overlook needs of patients that require immediate actions and if a nurse leader does not intercept staff members in crisis. The pride is oscillating between seeing the here-and-now and seeing the long-term in the big picture. We assumed seeing the big picture had to do with practical knowledge. Wonder and reasoning, however, brought us to virtues. Seeing the big picture as mentioned among nursing leaders and clinical nurses demonstrates human and professional pride. The study is useful in organizational, clinical and educational settings in updating policies for nursing, enlarging nurses understanding of practice and training students in understanding nursing practice. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.