Questions and Topics We Can Help You Answering; 

The Theory of Interpersonal Relations was the catalyst in shifting the nursing profession's view of the patient from the object of care actions to a partner in the nursing process. Hildegard Peplau was first in introducing the concept of advanced nursing practice. In her theory development, she stated, " fostering personality development toward maturity is a function of nursing and nursing education. Nursing uses principles and methods that guide the process toward resolution of interpersonal problems." This coincided with her belief that nurses had the power to influence significant change in their patients' lives while providing care. Presently, the American Associations of Colleges of Nursing's Essentials of Master's Education in Nursing serve as the reference guide for advanced nursing practice. All nine of the essentials address the skills and knowledge gained by masters prepared nurses upon completion of a graduate nursing program.


Essential IX: Master’s-Level Nursing Practice:

Recognizes that nursing practice, at the master’s level, is broadly defined as any form of nursing intervention that influences healthcare outcomes for individuals, populations, or systems. Master’s-level nursing graduates must have an advanced level of understanding of nursing and relevant sciences as well as the ability to integrate this knowledge into practice. Nursing practice interventions include both direct and indirect care components.


1. Discuss how the Theory of Interpersonal Relations relates to Essential IX? Are there any incompatibilities between this Essential and Peplau's theory? Explain your answer.

2. Give a specific example from your own practice in which you successfully integrated new knowledge into practice and how it influenced outcomes for the patient?