Interpersonal Relations Theory and Application in Student Practice

1759 Words8 Pages
Interpersonal Relations Theory and Application in Student Practice
Laura Cerkowniak
University of Saskatchewan

October 24th, 2012
Tracie Risling

Nursing theories occupy an essential role in the profession of nursing and help to develop certain core frameworks that can be applied in daily practice. This correspondence to each other contributes to connecting nursing theories with nursing practice (Cheryl, 1993). A large contributor to the field of nursing theories is Hildegard E. Peplau. Peplau developed a way of thinking about nursing care that guided nurses toward preventing illness and promoting health. (Perry & Potter, 2010). Her theory, Interpersonal Relations in Nursing, went on to create a new foundation that would influence a complete shift in the field of psychiatric nursing (Parker & Smith, 2010). By applying this theory, Peplau demonstrated the importance of interpersonal relations and its link to the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship, the development of the relationship as it proceeds through overlapping phases, and the application of this theory through clinical practice. Although Peplau developed her theory for the field of psychiatric nursing, the interpersonal process and relationship that develops between the nurse and the patient is evident in all disciplines of nursing.
The interpersonal focus of Peplau’s theory is placed predominately on the interpersonal process and relationships (Cheryl, 1993). When applied correctly, the interpersonal process enhances the significant differences between co-acting and interaction, (O’Toole & Welt, 1989) as well as the ability to see a situation from the patient’s point of view. To enhance the effectiveness of patient interactions a nurse must use self-reflection to be aware of how their own behavior affects the patient to promote positive interactions (Parker & Smith, 2010). For

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