Peplau’s interpersonal relations theory is one of the most known in nursing practice and discusses the importance of communication between a nurse and a patient. During my clinical hours in Primary Care, I had a chance to see how it works in practice since it was my task to make the patient trust me enough to communicate his problems.
Striving to improve communication with my patient, I turned to Peplau’s theory to understand how I can better interact with the patient. Peplau states that interviewing skills are essential nursing tools and that nurses should show compassion and a desire to help others (Peplau 1997). Initially, the patient was reluctant to discuss with me his medical problem, that of frequent urination. It was the orientation phase, and my task here was to show that I was willing to help and listen if he felt like talking. Slowly, the patient began to have a sense of belonging and lose his earlier fears.
In the next phase, orientation, the patient became more confident and able to discuss the problem after I assured him of my complete discretion. He began to trust me; discussing the medical side of the issue made him feel more confident. Then, in the exploitation phase, the patient made full use of my services. We worked together on the problem and built up the therapeutic relationship needed to make swift progress. The patient relied on me, and I did my best not to let him down. Later the patient was discharged with significant improvement.
In the communication process, the patient and I formed a partnership to solve the medical problem and beneficial for both sides. The patient lost the feeling of hopelessness and became more self-confident; I was assured that I could successfully help others which gives me the greatest joy.
Reference
Peplau, H. E. (1997). Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations. Nursing science quarterly, 10(4), 162-167. Barner, C. (2012). Social media and communication. Sage.