According Cutliffe and McKenna (2005), research, theoretical and educational literature on interpersonal relations between nurses and patients has proliferated since the 1960s. This has generated a range of divergent accounts of what the nurse-patient relationship (NPR) ought to be, how this should be achieved, and how the NPR is constituted in practice. I have chosen the concept of nurse-patient relationship because this relationship is viewed as the essence of nursing practice (Moyle 2003). This essay’s aim is to demonstrate my understanding of the concept of the nurse-patient relationship through utilising relevant literature and relating this to a specific incident in my practice-experience. I will briefly explain an incident which I was involved in prior to identifying and discussing the significant aspect of the incident. Peplau‘s (1953) interpersonal relationship model and Rogers’ (1951) model of Self-Concept in mental health nursing will be used. I will then reflect on my learning and how this will impact on me as a registered mental health nurse.
