Self-independent nurses are small and delicate (5)
I believe the answer is:
elfin
'small and delicate' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'self-independent nurses' is the wordplay.
'nurses' says the answer is hidden in the clue (nurse can mean holding closely).
'ELFIN' is hidden within 'self independent'.
'are' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for elfin that I've seen before include "Small, delicate and charming" , "little character" , "Like a mischievous fairy" , "Sweet" , "Small, mischievous and charming" .)