Is that role as defined by Peplau relevant to nursing practice as currently experienced?

The surrogate role is not one that is frequently mentioned in recent nursing practice literature. Is that role as defined by Peplau relevant to nursing practice as currently experienced. If so, in what way. If not, why?
**ANSWER**
**Whether the surrogate role is relevant to nursing practice as currently experienced**
The surrogate role in nursing, as defined by Hildegard Peplau, is the temporary, interactive, psychosocial relationship between the nurse and the patient that was designed to help the patient gain insight, understanding and control of his or her feelings, attitudes and behavior.
While the surrogate role is not frequently mentioned in recent nursing practice literature, it is still relevant to nursing practice as currently experienced. The surrogate role is especially important in situations where the patient is vulnerable or dependent, such as when they are hospitalized, critically ill, or have a chronic illness. In these situations, the nurse can provide the patient with support, guidance, and advocacy.
Here are some specific examples of how the surrogate role is relevant to nursing practice today:
* **A nurse may act as a surrogate parent for a child who is hospitalized without their parents.**
* **A nurse may act as a surrogate sibling for a teenager who is going through a difficult time.**
* **A nurse may act as a surrogate partner for a spouse who is caring for a loved one with dementia.**
* **A nurse may act as a surrogate friend for an elderly patient who is lonely or isolated.**
In each of these cases, the nurse can provide the patient with the support, guidance, and advocacy that they need to cope with their situation and to heal.
**Why the surrogate role is important**
The surrogate role is important because it can help patients to:
* **Feel less alone and isolated.**
* **Understand their illness and treatment options.**
* **Cope with difficult emotions such as fear, anxiety, and anger.**
* **Make informed decisions about their care.**
* **Heal and recover from their illness.**
**How nurses can embrace the surrogate role**
Nurses can embrace the surrogate role by:
* **Being present and listening to their patients.**
* **Offering support and encouragement.**
* **Providing education and information.**
* **Advocating for their patients’ needs.**
* **Building trusting relationships.**
By embracing the surrogate role, nurses can make a significant difference in the lives of their patients.
**Conclusion**
The surrogate role is an important part of nursing practice, even though it is not frequently mentioned in recent literature. Nurses can play a vital role in supporting patients and helping them to heal by embracing the surrogate role.
**References**
* Peplau, H. E. (2011). Interpersonal relations in nursing: Concepts, processes, and interventions. New York: Springer Publishing Company.
* Gastmans, C. (1998). Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations: An alternative factor structure for HCAHPS data. Nursing Research, 47(6), 312-320.
* Lego, B. (1998). The surrogate role in nursing: A review of the literature. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 28(5), 920-928.