Hildagard Peplau's - Theory Of Interpersonal Relations Research Papers Examples

This course assignment outlines the philosophical and foundations of the Hildagard Peplau's - theory of interpersonal relations, and how it shapes my nursing practice. The paper is divided into three parts: identification of the theory, philosophical foundations, and critical analysis of the theory’s application. The Interpersonal relationship between the nurse and the patient is very crucial because it determines how the two interact. It is vital for the two parties to have a healthy and collaborative interpersonal relationship. This theory is an illustration of how nurses and patients form interpersonal relationships.
This theory pictures nursing as an interpersonal process particularly between the nurse and the patient, who are working towards the attainment of mutually agreed upon goals (D’Antonio, Beeber, Sills & Naegle, 2014). There are a number of sequential steps that are taken to attain those goals. The first step, orientation, defines the patient’s problems. In the second step, identification, both the nurse, and the patient clarify expectations, as well as figure out how to work together. In the third step, exploitation, the patient uses or exploits the services offered by the nurse. The final stage is resolution, and it is where the patient’s needs have been met; the patient has the freedom to move on independently without the help of the nurse (D’Antonio, Beeber, Sills & Naegle, 2014). According to this theory, even when things do not proceed smoothly as planned or conflicts arise in the course of the association, the therapeutic interaction should bring growth in the two individuals (Penckofer, Byrn, Mumby & Ferrans, 2011).
Peplau formed this theory following her years of experience in nursing education and practice. That experience inspired her to study nurse-patient relationships (Fawcett & DeSanto-Madeya, 2013). Peplau had noticed that both the nurse and patient contribute to and participate in a relationship.

Foundations of Personal Philosophy

A nursing philosophy denotes a statement encompassing ontological claims about the phenomena of central interest to nursing, epistemic claims about how those phenomena came to be known, and the ethical claims about what nurses’ value (Fawcett & DeSanto-Madeya, 2013). In essence, nursing philosophies tend to answer what nursing is and how it is important to humans. Nursing actions, practices, and nurses are accounted for in a nursing philosophy. In line with this, in my nursing practice, the philosophy of nurse-patient relationship, how it is formed, managed and terminated all shape my nursing approach (Fawcett & DeSanto-Madeya, 2013). This theory helps in forming therapeutic relationships with patients, particularly identifying their concerns and how we can work together to address those concerns. This philosophical underpinning opines that both the nurse and patient ought to cooperate for the good for the both of them. The nurse feels contented or satisfied when the patients’ concerns have been addressed successfully.

Critical Analysis and Application

The application of a nursing theory in the real world nursing practice takes center stage when there is the creation of a theoretical, empirical system of nursing knowledge (Fawcett & DeSanto-Madeya, 2013). Peplau’s theory emphasizes on the association that is formed between nurse and the patient. Of all the nursing theories, Peplau’s theory is the most direct and elaborate. It is very true that nurses and patient form a relationship; the relationship is not long-lasting. However, the length of the relationship depends on how soon the patient’s needs are met. Whenever I’m assigned to a new patient, I always look forward to forming a healthy relationship with them because I do understand that how we interact with the patient will impact on the attainment of the set goals. The doctor’s medical report and the patient’s explanation always play a part in defining the relationship I form with the patient at hand. The doctor’s report outlines the clinical situation of the patient, and this helps me in understanding how I ought to take care of the patient.
Secondly, I do also listen to the patient in the course of attending to them. In the first day of encounter with the patient, I always seek to understand their needs, and we share on how well we can address any concerns. The first two stages of this theory are very helpful, and they shape the rest of the interaction. For that matter, I always strive to get things right in the first two stages. For instance, when I encounter a patient for the first time, I always seek to understand their concerns and clinical situation. Thereafter, I brief them on how those concerns can be addressed. I often outline what is expected of them, and what I will be expected to do. Once each party has understood their role, and the problem at hand has been identified, working together becomes easier. For that matter, Peplau’s theory has a lot of significance to my nursing practice.

Summary

This course assignment has outlined the philosophical connotations that drive my nursing practice. Peplau formed this theory following her years of experience in nursing education and practice. That experience inspired her to study nurse-patient relationships. This theory pictures nursing as an interpersonal process particularly between the nurse and the patient, who are working towards the attainment of mutually agreed upon goals. Peplau’s theory has a lot of significance to my nursing practice as it is the basis of my nursing philosophical inclination.

References

Fawcett, J., and DeSanto-Madeya, S. (201). Contemporary nursing knowledge: Analysis and evaluation of nursing models and theories (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: F. A. Davis Company.
D’Antonio, P., Beeber, L., Sills, G., and Naegle, M. (2014). The future in the past: Hildegard Peplau and interpersonal relations in nursing. Nursing Inquiry, 21(4), 311-317. DOI: 10.1111/nin.12056
Penckofer, S., Byrn, M., Mumby, P., and Ferrans, E. (2011). Improving Subject Recruitment, Retention, and Participation in Research through Peplau’s Theory of Interpersonal Relations. Nursing Science Quarterly, 24(2), 146-151. doi:  10.1177/0894318411399454