Nurse-patient relationship according to Cutliffe and McKenna (2005)

 

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.