The nurse’s capacity to temporarily act in place of a patient’s family or support network is referred to as the surrogate function in nursing. As a part of her philosophy of interpersonal relationships in nursing, Hildegard Peplau first presented this function in the middle of the 20th century. Although it gained popularity early on, the surrogate function is not widely discussed in current nursing practice literature. This calls into question whether the surrogate function, as defined by Peplau, still has use in modern nursing practice.
Peplau’s approach is based on the premise that nursing is an interpersonal activity that requires forming relationships with patients. The nurse can put themselves in the patient’s shoes, comprehend their perspective, and give treatment that is specifically suited to their requirements thanks to the surrogate position, which Peplau recognized as a crucial part of this process (Forchuk, 2021). One of the four positions a nurse can take on in a therapeutic interaction with a patient is that of a surrogate. The other positions are counselor, teacher, and leader. The surrogate function includes standing up for the patient, offering emotional support, and helping them to navigate the complexity of the healthcare system.
Although it is not explicitly covered in the current literature on nursing practice, the surrogate function is still a crucial aspect of nursing practice. In fact, the surrogate role serves as the foundation for many of the core competencies of modern nursing, including patient centered care, advocacy, and empathy. The ability to relate to patients, comprehend their viewpoints, and deliver care that is suited to their individual requirements must still be possessed by nurses. (Wasaya et al., 2021). It is uncommon to find mention of the surrogate function in current nursing literature because it is frequently believed to be a component of the nurse’s overall responsibility in providing patients with holistic care and emotional support.
The difficulties that contemporary healthcare systems face have only served to highlight the significance of the surrogate function. Chronic diseases are becoming more widespread, and the population is aging, which increases the likelihood that patients may have complicated and diverse healthcare demands (Pecanac & King, 2019). In order to help patients, navigate the difficulties and ensure that they get the care and assistance they need, nurses must be able to act in their place.
The surrogate function is still a crucial and relevant part of nursing practice today, despite the fact that it may not be regularly referenced in modern nursing literature. Because patients frequently do not receive the same degree of support from family and friends as they once did, nurses may need to act as surrogates more frequently and for longer periods of time. Nurses can assist patients bridge the social support gap and enhance their overall health outcomes by offering emotional support and acting as a supplemental family member. To avoid burnout, nurses must place a high priority on their health and establish boundaries.
The nurse’s capacity to temporarily act in place of a patient’s family or suppor
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