The surrogate role is not one that is frequently mentioned in recent nursing practice literature

Sample Solution

Hildegard Peplau's theory of interpersonal relations in nursing identifies seven roles that nurses can assume:

• Stranger
• Resource
• Teacher
• Counselor
• Surrogate
• Active leader
• Technical expert

What is the surrogate role?

In the surrogate role, the nurse functions as an advocate or a substitute for another person well known to the patient (such as a parent, sibling, other relative, friend, or teacher). The nurse may provide emotional support, physical care, or practical help to the patient, depending on their needs.

Full Answer Section

Why is the surrogate role less frequently mentioned in recent nursing practice literature?

There are a few reasons why the surrogate role may be less frequently mentioned in recent nursing practice literature. First, the nursing profession has become increasingly specialized in recent years. Nurses are now more likely to specialize in a particular area of nursing, such as critical care, pediatrics, or oncology. This specialization may make it less common for nurses to develop the close relationships with patients that are necessary for the surrogate role.

Second, there is a growing emphasis on patient autonomy in healthcare. Patients are now more likely to make their own decisions about their care and to have a say in how they are treated. This emphasis on patient autonomy may make nurses less likely to assume the surrogate role, as they may not want to interfere with the patient's decision-making process.

Third, there is a growing awareness of the ethical implications of the surrogate role. Nurses must be careful not to overstep their boundaries or to become too involved in the patient's life. They must also be aware of the potential for conflicts of interest.

Is the surrogate role still relevant to nursing practice as currently experienced?

Yes, the surrogate role is still relevant to nursing practice as currently experienced. There are many situations in which nurses may need to assume the surrogate role. For example, nurses may need to act as surrogates for patients who are:

• Infants or children who are too young to make their own decisions about their care
• Adults with cognitive impairments who are unable to make their own decisions about their care
• Patients who are isolated from their families and friends
• Patients who are dying or who have terminal illnesses

In these situations, nurses can provide essential support and care to patients and their families.

Here are some examples of how nurses might assume the surrogate role in today's practice:

• A nurse caring for a child who is hospitalized for cancer might act as a surrogate parent for the child while they are in the hospital.
• A nurse caring for an elderly patient with Alzheimer's disease might act as a surrogate family member for the patient, providing them with companionship and emotional support.
• A nurse caring for a patient who is dying from cancer might act as a surrogate friend or confidant for the patient, helping them to cope with their illness and death.

Conclusion

The surrogate role is an important role that nurses can assume to provide support and care to patients and their families. While the surrogate role may be less frequently mentioned in recent nursing practice literature, it is still a relevant role in today's practice.

Nurses should be aware of the ethical implications of assuming the surrogate role and should be careful not to overstep their boundaries. However, when used appropriately, the surrogate role can be a powerful tool for providing compassionate and effective care to patients and their families.