REPLY1
Great response Maria. Thank you for sharing further details as they relate to the concepts behind Hildegard Peplau’s theory of Interpersonal Relations. I too find that building a trusting relationship between nurse and patient to be quite beneficial when working towards optimizing patient outcomes. Within your response you mentioned, “First, I have come to appreciate the importance of applying the principle of human relations in my nursing practice. I always ensure I bond with my patients in a way that they feel open to open up to me about what they are going through.” In what ways are you able to apply elements from Peplau’s theory into practice, what are the strategies implemented? Also, what impact has this had on patient outcomes and satisfaction?
Professor Hanson
REPLY2
The Watson theory of caring is one that appeals most to my nursing philosophy. The theory argues that caring is the fundamental pillar of the nursing profession. The changing health care system has affected the ability of nurses to engage in a caring and develop a meaningful relationship with the patients that enhances healing. Among the reasons for the change is the use of technology as well as the increasing workload. Technology has been adopted as an alternative to primary care in most organizations. This is especially the reality as health care organizations try to save on costs which has led to a reduction of the personal engagement with the patients. The increased workload has also affected the ability of the nurses to set aside the needed time with the patients. Some nurses have to juggle several tasks and are forced to spend the minimal time possible with some of their patients. The Watson theory of caring calls for authentic presence and recognize the importance of the same in facilitating healing (Norman et al., 2016). Therefore, it is important that nurt5ses and nursing organizations remember that the core pillar of the profession is caring. Therefore, the use of technology as a substitute for primary care should be limited and there is a need to provide authentic presence to help the patients during the healing process.