Nursing Practice and Theory Application: A Comprehensive Report

This report explores the crucial application of theory in nursing practice, emphasizing the Interpersonal Relations Theory developed by Hildegard E. Peplau. It highlights the significance of therapeutic interaction between nurses and patients, detailing the four phases of this theory: orientation, identification, exploitation, and resolution. The report underscores how effective communication and interaction are vital for proper patient management, particularly in mental health care, and promotes patient independence and confidence. The study emphasizes the benefits of integrating theory into practice for both patients and nurses, advocating for healthcare facilities to educate nurses on the importance of theory application. This report is essential for understanding the intersection of nursing theory and its practical implementation in clinical settings.

Running head: APPLICATION OF THEORY IN NURSING PRACTICE
Application of Theory in Nursing Practice
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1APPLICATION OF THEORY IN NURSING PRACTICE
All the nursing practices are based on a proposed theory. The ideology, diagnosis,
treatment, behaviour, and work ethics for a job role are all based on theory and research. There
are many theories developed to aid nursing practices for the proper management and care of the
patient (Rich 2013). One such theory such as Interpersonal Relations Theory was developed by
Hildegard E. Peplau that explains the importance of therapeutic interaction between the patient
and nurse for the better and proper treatment of the patient (Arnold and Boggs 2015).
As shown in the mind map, the theory explains four phases such as orientation,
identification, exploitation, and resolution and the importance and benefit of intersection of these
phases in nursing practices (D'antonio et al. 2014). Communication and interaction are two
effective tools for the management of patient care (Arnold and Boggs 2015). Different phases
have different therapeutic applications. Orientation phase helps in assessing the condition and
engaging with the patient so as to understand the problem of the patient. Identification phase
helps in the development of better treatment process. All the information gathered is then
implemented for treating the patient effectively as stated in the exploitation phase. The resolution
phase helps in evaluating the condition of the patient and is the end of the therapeutic
relationship between the patient and the nurse (D'antonio et al. 2014). Hence, it is seen that the
proper management of the patient depends on the intersection of the theory and nursing practice
as shown in the mind map.
The proper implementation of the theory into practice has many benefits. It is beneficial
to both the patient and nurse (Alligood 2013). The interpersonal relations theory is especially
useful for the patient who is suffering from mental illness as they require special care and
attention (Browne, Cashin and Graham 2012). Psychosocial treatment is considered as one of the
important method for treating mental disorder (Mueser et al. 2013). Communication and support

2APPLICATION OF THEORY IN NURSING PRACTICE
is the main characteristics for the treatment. Interpersonal relations theory stands for the increase
in interaction and communication for the management of the patient. This helps us to understand
the importance and connection between the theory and application in clinical practice. Apart
from this, it also promotes the feeling of independence and confidence among the patient. With
better interaction, it helps in restoring the belief of the patient in the treatment process.
The implementation of theory should be practiced by every health care facility. Nurses
should be educated and informed about the importance of understanding the theory and adopting
it into nursing practices.

3APPLICATION OF THEORY IN NURSING PRACTICE
References
Alligood, M.R., 2013. Nursing Theory-E-Book: Utilization & Application. Elsevier Health
Sciences.
Arnold, E.C. and Boggs, K.U., 2015. Interpersonal Relationships-E-Book: Professional
Communication Skills for Nurses. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Browne, G., Cashin, A. and Graham, I., 2012. The therapeutic relationship and Mental Health
Nursing: it is time to articulate what we do!. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health
Nursing, 19(9), pp.839-843.
D'antonio, P., Beeber, L., Sills, G. and Naegle, M., 2014. The future in the past: Hildegard
Peplau and interpersonal relations in nursing. Nursing inquiry, 21(4), pp.311-317.
Mueser, K.T., Deavers, F., Penn, D.L. and Cassisi, J.E., 2013. Psychosocial treatments for
schizophrenia. Annual review of clinical psychology, 9, pp.465-497.
Rich, K.L., 2013. Philosophies and theories for advanced nursing practice. Jones & Bartlett
Publishers.