Final answer:
Hildegard Peplau's major contribution to nursing was the focus on the nurse-patient relationship, emphasizing communication and understanding in the healing process.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hildegard Peplau was a nursing theorist known for her work on the nurse-patient relationship. Peplau's theoretical framework focuses on the interpersonal processes and therapeutic relationship that develops between the nurse and the patient. Her conceptualization of the nurse-patient dynamic is a fundamental aspect of nursing education and practice, emphasizing the importance of communication, understanding of patient needs, and the use of personal knowledge to influence the healing process. Fundamentally, her theory is about nurturing the interpersonal aspect between the nurse and the patient, which can lead to personal growth and healing.