This research examines Peplau's theory of nursing, and applies the theory to a hypothetical case. The examination of Peplau's theory identifies the basic components of the theory, which is the theory of psychodynamic nursing. The application of the theory to the hypothetical case assesses the patient's situation and develops a nursing care plan.
PEPLAU'S THEORY OF PSYCHODYNAMIC NURSING
According to Hildegard Peplau, psychodynamic nursing involves the use of one's (the nurse) knowledge and understanding of one's own behavior to help others (patients) identify felt difficulties, and the application of human relations to problems that arise at all levels of experience (Carey, Noll, Rasmussen, Searcy, and Stark, 1989, p. 205). This interpersonal process is defined by Peplau in the context of four phases of the nurse patient relationship orientation, identification, exploitation, and resolution. Although each phase of this relationship is defined separately, Peplau recognized that considerable overlap existed between the phases.
During the orientation phase of the nurse patient relationship, the patient experiences a felt need and seeks professional assistance from the nurse. During this phase, the nurse tries to help the patient in both recognizing and understanding the problem that he or she is experiencing. During the orientation phase, also, the nurse attempts to determine exactly what help is needed by the patient.
The second phase, the identification phase, is the process of developing a relationship between the nurse and the patient.
In this phase, the nurse helps the patient to explore her or his feelings so that the patient can develop a better understanding of the problems he or she is confronting. Through this process, the patient may be able to reorient her or his feelings so that the positive aspects of the patient's personality may be strengthened. This phase is called the identification phase ...