Peplau's Influence on Nursing Education

Hildegard Peplau's theories of nursing practice were revolutionary. Her major work, "Interpersonal Relationships in Nursing," was published in 1952. The main theory of her work is that nurses engage actively with patients to promote a partnership in healthcare.

Significance

• The foundation of Peplau's theory is that nurses from a partnership with their patients through observation, description, formulation, interpretation, validation and intervention. This model emphasized an active role for the nurse and the patient.

Function

• Peplau theorized that nurses and their patients have a shared experience. The nurse listens to, and formulates strategies with, the patient. This model involves the patient in planning their care, rather than just being a passive recipient.

Features

• Peplau developed seven nursing roles: stranger, resource, teacher, counseling, surrogate, active leadership and technical expert.

Identification

• Peplau defined phases of development in the relationship between nurse and patient. They are: orientation, working, which includes identification, and finally resolution and termination.

Benefits

• Peplau's work is the basis for nursing theory. She changed the role of the nurse from passive to an active participant in the provision of healthcare.