Application of Nursing Theory week 6 paper Final

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Nursing theory is the fundamental structure of the nursing profession. Nursing theorists define nursing care by developing the theoretical basis for various facets of nursing practice. The most cruc... ial part of applying theory to practice is addressing the needs of patients to ensure quality patient care (Im & Chang, 2012). Significant benefits occur when applying nursing theory to solve a problem within nursing practice. For example, Hildegard Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations can be applied to the issue of nursing leadership communication thus enhancing nurse-patient communication. Peplau formulated the theory of interpersonal relations in 1952. Peplau’s theory helped clinicians develop more therapeutic interventions for their patients. Her middle range theory states that the nurse-patient relationship should be therapeutic and involve both individuals. Peplau concluded that it was necessary that nurses interact with their patients purposefully (Senn, 2013). Her theory of interpersonal relations includes seven different nursing roles which influence clinical nursing. The Seven Nursing Roles of this theory are: the stranger role, the resource role, the teaching role, the counseling role, the surrogate role, the active leadership role, and the technical expert role. Nurses can enhance their leadership skills by understanding all seven roles and applying the appropriate concept to each situation resulting in the best patient care. Improving patient care results in better treatment outcomes and decreases the length of recovery. Peplau describes her theory as one of the most useful to apply during nursing practice in order to understand nurse-patient relationships (Peplau-Nursing Theorist, n.d.). Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations helps nurses establish a nurse-patient relationship by assessing the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients (Senn, 2013). Communication between nurses and their patients is a major factor when establishing a strong nurse-patient relationship. APPLICATION OF NURSING THEORY 3 Nurses must learn how to communicate proactively with patients and their families by applying empathy and active listening (Senn, 2013). This paper discusses the need for nursing leadership to improve communication between nurse leaders, nurses and patients [Show More]

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