Henderson, and Orem Hildegard Peplau's nursing theory is an interpersonal theory that places an emphasis on the nurse-patient relationship as the foundation of nursing. Through the nursing process, which includes therapeutic interactions between jmry8 module 2 peplau henderson and orem nurse and patient, she aims to encourage patients' growth and development. Peplau also emphasizes the importance of interviewing and communication skills for nurses. Peplau was a trailblazer in coordinating brain research into what at the time was a to a great extent task-situated nursing calling. She taught at Rutgers University for 20 years and established the first psychiatric nursing graduate program.