Peplau’s Theory of Interpersonal Relations Jennifer Holzer Chamberlain College of Nursing Nursing 501 Theoretical Basis for Advanced Nursing Practice Spring 2014

Nursing theory is important because it is the foundation and structure for the profession of nursing. There are many different types of theories and they all serve a specific purpose. Theories are important and valuable because they allow the nurse to understand and comprehend their role as a nursing professional. Theories also play a part in helping the nurse deal with patients and other disciplines in nursing and most important the role of a nurse in this profession. Theories explain and help to grasp the …show more content…

The final phase would be the resolution phase which is defined as the termination of a professional relationship. The nurse can be used as a resource in this phase of the relationship. (Ramesh 2013)

It is extremely important for the nurse to identify, recognize and apply principles of the human relationships to the problems that arise in all levels of the experience between the nurse and patient. The theory is interpersonal because it involves two or more individuals with a common goal. It is an excellent theory because we cannot dehumanize nursing. We do focus on the science aspect and the clinical indications and interventions; however we cannot lose focus of the healing aspect of nursing which all began with Peplau’s Theory. She had great insight on how to develop a good rapport with an individual to help them achieve optimal healing mentally, physically and spiritually. This theory applies to nursing education because sometimes the human aspect is overlooked. Too many times the focus is on the diagnosis or abnormal lab values than taking into consideration how the patient is actually feeling and how that contributes to their overall wellbeing. As a nurse educator it is important to stress how nurses should apply principles of the human relationship to the problems that will arise. This theory definitely impacts patient care. If you do not develop a god interpersonal relationship with the patient they will