ANSWER
I agree with this piece and its underlining of the ongoing relevance of the surrogate function in modern nursing practice, especially in psychiatric-mental health environments. In the modern healthcare scene, where patients sometimes lack familial or social support due to estranged connections, geographic limitations, or stigmatising of their conditions, Hildegard Peplau’s thesis is still rather relevant. In psychiatric-mental health nursing, where isolation, loneliness, and alienation are somewhat widespread, this disparity is especially clear.
The article deftly emphasises how nurses in the surrogate role advocate for patients negotiating difficult emotional and psychological obstacles in addition to offering emotional support. This is especially important in psychiatric environments for creating therapeutic alliances that support trust, empathy, and empowerment, therefore enabling improved patient outcomes. For instance, nurses supporting group therapy or access to mental health resources help to lessen the negative consequences of social isolation.
The article also emphasises the need of advocacy as fundamental component of the surrogate function. Encouragement of patients to express their needs and preferences promotes resilience and self-determination—qualities important for healing. This is consistent with ideas of holistic treatment since nurses deal with psychological aspects of health in addition to the physical ones.
Finally, this article perfectly expresses Peplau’s surrogate function and shows its continuing importance in promoting compassionate and patient-centered treatment, particularly for underprivileged groups in psychiatric-mental health nursing.
Notes
Hagerty, B. M., then others (2017). Peplau’s interpersonal relations theory applied in nursing. Nursing Theories: Foundation for Professional Nursing Practice.
Foronda, C.; MacWilliams, B.; & McArthur, E. (2016). Interprofessional communication in the context of healthcare: a synthesis Education for Nurses in Practice, 19, 36–40 10.1016/j.nepr.2016.04.005 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2016.04.005
QUESTION
Reply if you agree or disagree with the following post. 200 words.
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Relevance of the Surrogate Role in Contemporary Nursing Practice
The surrogate role by Peplau, underscores the importance of nurses providing support and advocacy for patients in the absence of family or significant others. Despite evolving healthcare dynamics, this role remains pertinent in addressing the complex needs of patients, particularly in scenarios where familial support is lacking. This discussion explores the continued relevance of the surrogate role in contemporary nursing practice, with a focus on its significance in psychiatric-mental health nursing.
In today’s healthcare landscape, patient care has become increasingly multifaceted, with individuals often presenting complex medical and psychosocial needs. A significant proportion of patients may lack familial support systems, either due to geographical distance, estranged relationships, or social circumstances. In such instances, the surrogate role takes on heightened importance as nurses’ step in to fulfill the emotional and supportive needs of these patients.
Nowhere is the relevance of the surrogate role more pronounced than in psychiatric-mental health nursing. Patients grappling with mental health conditions such as dysmorphia and anxiety often experience strained relationships with their families, leading to feelings of isolation and a dearth of emotional support. In these situations, nurses serve as crucial allies, offering empathy, understanding, and advocacy to facilitate the healing process.
Patients with mental health challenges frequently encounter barriers to familial support, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and alienation. Nurses trained in the surrogate role possess the skills to navigate these complexities sensitively. By establishing therapeutic alliances, conducting comprehensive assessments, and implementing tailored interventions, nurses can mitigate the adverse effects of isolation and support deficits on patients’ well-being.
Central to the surrogate role is the concept of advocacy, wherein nurses champion the rights and interests of their patients. In psychiatric-mental health settings, this advocacy extends beyond medical interventions to encompass social support, access to resources, and destigmatization efforts. By empowering patients to voice their needs and preferences, nurses foster a sense of agency and self-determination, essential components of recovery and resilience.
At the heart of the surrogate function lies the notion of advocacy, where nurses actively support and defend the rights and welfare of their patients. In psychiatric-mental health contexts, this advocacy transcends mere medical treatments to encompass provisions for social assistance, facilitating access to resources, and initiatives aimed at reducing stigma. By enabling patients to articulate their desires and choices, nurses cultivate feelings of empowerment and self-reliance, critical elements in the processes of recuperation and fortitude.
In conclusion, the surrogate role remains indispensable in contemporary nursing practice, particularly in addressing the intricate needs of patients who lack familial support. Nowhere is this role more evident than in psychiatric-mental health nursing, where nurses serve as stalwart advocates and allies for individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. By upholding the principles of empathy, advocacy, and empowerment, nurses fulfill Peplau’s vision of the surrogate role as a cornerstone of compassionate and holistic patient care.