The Surrogate Role In Nursing Refers To A Nurse Serving As A

The Surrogate Role In Nursing Refers To A Nurse Serving As A Substitut

The surrogate role in nursing involves a nurse acting as a substitute for a significant other in a patient's life, providing emotional support, advocacy, and assistance with decision-making. This role was introduced by Hildegard Peplau in 1952, emphasizing the importance of nurses assuming non-traditional roles to meet patients' holistic needs. In contemporary practice, nurses often fulfill surrogate functions, especially when patients lack social support or face emotional distress. For example, they may act as interpreters for patients with limited English or provide emotional comfort to those experiencing grief. The surrogate role is particularly vital in palliative and end-of-life care, where nurses advocate for patient autonomy, comfort, and dignity. However, adopting this role requires careful boundary management and attention to the nurse's emotional well-being. Despite challenges, the surrogate role remains essential in supporting patients' emotional and psychological needs, ensuring comprehensive holistic care in increasingly complex healthcare environments.

Paper For Above instruction

The surrogate role in nursing is a vital aspect of holistic patient care, involving nurses serving as substitutes for family or significant others when necessary. Rooted in the pioneering work of Hildegard Peplau, who emphasized the importance of building therapeutic relationships and assuming diverse roles to support patients comprehensively (Peplau, 1952), this role has evolved but remains relevant today. Nurses often undertake surrogate responsibilities to address emotional gaps, facilitate communication, and empower patients to navigate their healthcare experiences effectively. When patients lack social support, face language barriers, or are nearing end-of-life stages, nurses step into surrogate roles, providing emotional comfort, advocating for patient preferences, and assisting with decision-making processes. For instance, a nurse might translate for a patient with limited English proficiency or offer emotional support to a grieving individual. These actions foster trust, promote dignity, and contribute to improved health outcomes. Nevertheless, the surrogate role requires nurses to maintain professional boundaries and prioritize their emotional health, balancing care with self-care to prevent burnout. Overall, embracing surrogate responsibilities enables nurses to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care, especially in complex or emotionally charged situations, highlighting the importance of adaptability and emotional intelligence in nursing practice (Wasaya et al., 2021).

References

• Peplau, H. E. (1952). Interpersonal relations in nursing. G. P. Putnam's Sons.
• Wasaya, S., et al. (2021). The evolving role of nurses in patient advocacy and emotional support. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 53(2), 150-157.