Nursing Foundation Report: Theory of Interpersonal Relations

This report delves into the foundational aspects of nursing practice, emphasizing the theory of interpersonal relations as a cornerstone. It explores the importance of nursing theories, particularly in the context of surgical areas, where effective communication and empathy are crucial. The report highlights the significance of values such as empathy and critical thinking, and integrates nursing theory with evidence-based research from various international journals. It discusses the practical application of interpersonal relations theory in patient care, focusing on communication strategies, critical decision-making, and the development of therapeutic relationships. The report also includes a personal goal and action plan for skill development, addressing areas such as critical thinking and communication, and concludes by summarizing the importance of interpersonal relations in achieving professional success in nursing. The report also references various studies that support the application of interpersonal relationship theory in nursing practice.

Running head: NURSING
Nursing Foundation
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1
NURSING
Table of Contents
Part 1..........................................................................................................................................2
A. Introduction.......................................................................................................................2
B. Values and Beliefs.............................................................................................................2
C. Integrating Nursing Theory and Evidence........................................................................3
D. Personal Goal and Action Plan..........................................................................................5
E. Conclusion.........................................................................................................................6
Reference................................................................................................................................7

2
NURSING
Part 1
A. Introduction
The foundation of nursing practice is built on the nursing theories, which were
developed from scientifically authenticated logical information. These theories play an
important role to implement new strategies and approaches in nursing practice (Alligood,
2017). Theory analysis helps a nurse to improve the understanding of a practical situation
(Tappen, 2016). This report discussed about implementation of theory of interpersonal
relation in surgical area. Research evidences from different international journal supports the
argument presented here.
B. Values and Beliefs
Nursing is a profession, which is connected with numerous values that are key
components in providing quality treatment. Empathy is a concept by which one can
understand another person’s, feelings and emotions from his or her perspective. Clinical
empathy involves with understanding of the patient’s situation by accurate communication
and providing a therapeutic solution. Empathy and communication are closely related.
According to Arnold and Boggs (2019), communication between nurses and patients leads to
provide personalized treatment. Apart from that, health sectors consist of multi-disciplinary;
accurate communication within the team is beneficial for better outcomes
(Arnprofessionalsold & Boggs, 2019). With the help of accurate communication with a
patient, a nurse can go for clinical decision-making. A systemic and logical critical thinking
with the help of intellectual reasoning leads to critical decision making. As a result, accurate
nursing care and treatment is possible (LoBiondo-Wood & Haber, 2017). Working in a
practical medical scenario enhances theoretical and practical knowledge of nursing and

3
NURSING
clinical set up. Implementation of knowledge in practical situations leads to overall growth of
a nurse (Carpenter, 2018).
C. Integrating Nursing Theory and Evidence
Nursing theories are important tool to provide accurate nursing practice in a practical
situation. Nursing is an interpersonal process and it requires accurate communication between
patients and other professionals in a health sector. Hence, theory of interpersonal relation has
a direct connection with nursing practice in a medical surgical area.
In a medical surgical area, nurses involves in providing care to numerous patients by
administering medications, admitting and discharging patients and educating families (Arnold
& Boggs, 2019). Critical thinking is highly required to understand disease state and medical
conditions. Communication with the patient helps in critical decision-making (Arnold &
Boggs, 2019). Theory of interpersonal relation refers interpersonal process by which a
therapeutic relationship between nurse and patient can develop (Deane & Fain 2016).
Practical application of the theory leads to better communication; hence better outcome
(Deane & Fain 2016). In a surgical area, nurses provide emotional support to the patient by
understanding their emotional needs. Improved interpersonal relation between the patient and
nurse is important to provide proper care to the patient. As a result, the overall understanding
of nursing practice develops.
As per the theory, nursing process is an intellectual activity involved in professional
practice to provide care in a systemic manner. At the time of orientation, both nurse and
patient are stranger to each other. An accurate communication leads to the understanding of
the need of the patient. In my case, patients admitted after surgery may face different
complications. Communication with the patient helps me to diagnose the actual complication
and helps to prepare a plan to provide better treatment. After recognizing the need of the

4
NURSING
patient, next is identification where an achievable goal is set along with the patient to fulfil
the requirement of that need. In many cases, patients encounter depression and avoids
activities required to achieve the goal. I usually, provide them encouraging articles, which
can induce their confidence. The next step is exploitation, where the plans are implemented
practically for better outcome. I help the patients to work on active and passive exercises to
avoid post-surgery complications. Finally, then resolution phase refers to completion of all
the steps, hence the need is fulfilled. I planned the interventions as per condition of the
patient and at the end of the process; I evaluate the whole process to provide accurate
treatment. I usually follow these steps mentioned in the theory of interpersonal relation and it
helps to enhance my practical understanding on nursing practice.
Different studies describes the application of theory of interpersonal relationship in
nursing practice. Deane and Fain (2016) reported that theory of interpersonal relationship
helps to nursing students to communicate with older adults. According to the study, the
students follows the mentioned steps to communicate, the results indicate an improved
nursing practice from the students. Arnold and Boggs (2019) also summarized the importance
of interpersonal relationship in professional nursing. In a surgical unit, there are involvement
of different professionals such as surgeons, physiotherapists, anesthetics, floor nurses.
Communication with in the team is highly required to provide better treatment. A study
reported by Trajano et al. (2017), describes that theory of interpersonal relationship involves
in providing favorable work environment in a surgical area, which leads to safe care of
patients in clinical conditions. These studies supported the argument that theory of
interpersonal relation has its applications in nursing practice.

5
NURSING
D. Personal Goal and Action Plan
Professional nursing practice requires a vast knowledge and understanding in clinical
situations. I need to work on different skills to become a professional nurse. The following is
my action plan overcome my clumsiness in surgical complication.
Specific (S) Participation in nursing in surgical area.
Measurable (M) Discussion with my supervisor regarding the complication of the
situation.
Achievable(A) Regular participation in complicated cases and understand the
complications from supervisor.
Realistic (R) Consistent experience of surgical conditions will help me to habituate
with the different situation.
Timeline (T) I will achieve the goal within a period of three weeks.
I often lack critical thinking during my practice; the action plan to get rid of the problem is
following
Specific (S) Improving my critical thinking skill
Measurable (M) Revision of the evidence based research and discussion with my
supervisor.
Achievable(A) Compare practical situations with previously recorded situations to
understand critical thinking response.
Realistic (R) Regular practice of study and practical experience.
Timeline (T) I will achieve the goal within a period of one month.

6
NURSING
Finally, sometimes, I found difficulty in communication with patients; the following action
plan will help me to overcome this difficulty.
Specific (S) Improving my communication skills
Measurable (M) Regular feedback from the patients and supervisors.
Achievable(A) I will join classes, so that communication skills will improve
Realistic (R) I can take the classes during my off days to make a balance with my
working practice.
Timeline (T) I will achieve the goal within a period of one month.
E. Conclusion
To conclude, the theory of interpersonal relationship by Pepalu, plays an important
role in my nursing practice. According to the theory, communication is important to
recognize the need of the patient. Moreover, it is the initial step of treatment. Nursing values
such as empathy and critical thinking require interpersonal communication. The steps
involved in the theory will be me guide to reach professional success. However, I need to
work on my confidence, critical thinking skill and communication to become an expert in this
field.

7
NURSING
Reference
Alligood, M. R. (2017). Nursing Theorists and Their Work-E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Arnold, E. C., & Boggs, K. U. (2019). Interpersonal Relationships E-Book: Professional
Communication Skills for Nurses. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Carpenter, M. (2018). The new managerialism and professionalism in nursing. In Health and
the Division of Labour (pp. 165-195). Routledge.
Deane, W. H., & Fain, J. A. (2016). Incorporating Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations
to promote holistic communication between older adults and nursing students.
Journal of Holistic Nursing, 34(1), 35-41.
Deane, W. H., & Fain, J. A. (2016). Incorporating Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations
to promote holistic communication between older adults and nursing students.
Journal of Holistic Nursing, 34(1), 35-41.
LoBiondo-Wood, G., & Haber, J. (2017). Nursing research-E-book: methods and critical
appraisal for evidence-based practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Tappen, R. M. (2016). Advanced nursingg research: From theory to practice. Jones &
Bartlett Publishers.
Trajano, M. D. F. C., Gontijo, D. T., da Silva, M. W., De Aquino, J. M., & Monteiro, E. M.
L. M. (2017). Interpersonal relationships in the surgical unit from the perspective of
nursing workers: an exploratory study. Online Brazilian Journal of Nursing, 16(2),
159-169.

8
NURSING