Peplau’s Theory of Interpersonal Relations Applied in the Nursing Practice

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Theories exist in all types of professions. A theory was created to get a better grasp or understanding of a phenomenon (Potter, Perry, Stockert, & Hall, 2013). A nursing theory uses this idea to clarify and develop an aspect of nursing (Potter et al., 2013). There are many different nursing theories that help nurses understand the nursing practice. The theory that lays down the foundation for nursing is Hildegard Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relationships. Peplau’s theory describes the nurse-patient relationship and the nurses’ roles defined by three different phases of: orientation, working phase, and termination (Peplau, 1997). This theory can then be applied in the nursing practice through the work environment and the nursing process.
Before applying this theory in real world applications, the theory must be understood. Peplau (1997) believed that the nursing profession is not only scientific but also artistic. Much of the nursing profession deals with communication with the patient or the patient’s family. Peplau (1997) saw this interpersonal relationship broken down into ...

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