Nursing Theory Assignment: Hildegard Peplau’s Theory

Ana Hernandez

California State University, Dominguez Hills

School of Nursing

BSN 302-98

Lorna B. Diaz, MSN, BSN, RN

The Mother Of Psychiatric Nursing, Hildegard Peplau

Hildegard Peplau was an influential nursing theorist, who’s also known as the “mother of psychiatric nursing.” Her primary concern was how people relate to one another and through research and science based practice theories, she came to the conclusion that the nurse-patient relationship is the center of nursing. According to Peplau, in order for a trusting relationship to develop there has to be trust between the nurse and the patient as well as a structured environment. Peplau believed that as nurses we have an important role in reducing our patients anxiety and that our relationship between our patients influences the outcome of their care. In the first phase we are getting to know our patients, we know our patient is there for assistance and we respond by answering questions and identifying problems, meanwhile building a trusting relationship (Orientation phase). After building a trusting relationship we start identifying problems to work on as well as clarifying perceptions and expectations. In return this helps our patient have a sense of belonging and decrease the feeling of helplessness and hopelessness (Identification phase). After Identifying our patients needs, the patient utilizes all available services and our plan is implemented, meanwhile we’re still continuing our assessment and assisting the new needs of our patient (Exploitation phase). The phase of Identification and Exploitation is also known as the “working phase” of the nurse-patient relationship. Lastly, providing closure of the work together the patient frees the self from the Identification