Virginia Henderson Theory Essay Example

expressing emotions, needs, fears, or opinions. * Worship according to one’s faith. * Work in such a way that there is a sense of accomplishment. * Play or participate in various forms of recreation. * Learn, discover, or satisfy the curiosity that leads to normal development and health and use the available health facilities.

Henderson’s 14 components are used to assess the needs of each patient and whether the patient will require assistance in meeting those needs. A plan is then designed based on the patient’s deficits in order to help the patient become more independent as quickly as possible. Interventions are then based on physiological values as well as individual characteristics. Patient’s need for assistance is then evaluated and a new plan is formulated until the patient can function independently.

Henderson stressed continued assessment of the patient’s needs with revision of the care plan based on the change in the patient’s condition ("Nursing theories," 2012). Theory description The four major concepts discussed in Henderson’s theory are person, environment, health, and nursing. In Henderson’s theory, the person is viewed as a whole, made up of psychological, sociological, biological, and spiritual components. However, the person requires assistance achieving their basic human needs until they can do so independently ("Nursing theory," 2011).

Henderson defines the environment as a delicate system made up of biological, physical, and behavioral components. Because these components are dependent on one another, change in one will result in change among other parts of the system disrupting balance. Henderson believed that some environmental factors could influence human health and it’s the nurse’s function to control the environment to help maintain balance

(Butts & Rich, 2011). It is implied that health is basic to human function and equivalent to independence which is the ultimate goal in Henderson’s theory.

The quality of health is based on the person’s ability to independently meet the 14 basic human needs (Butts & Rich, 2011). Henderson became known for her definition of nursing which she referred to as her “concept” rather than a theory ("Nursing theories," 2012). Henderson stated that the nurse’s role was to assist the individual regain independence as fast as possible. Although defined in functional terms, Henderson’s definition of nursing also included empathy and understanding.

It’s important for the nurse to put themselves in the patient’s shoes to get a better understanding f their needs. She believed that nursing encompassed the nurse’s heart, hands and soul, and should not be used separately (Butts & Rich, 2011). The nurse is independent and is expected to make independent judgments, however the nurse should not perform the functions of a physician. Ultimately, the nurse should stress health promotion and prevention as well as independence. Virginia Henderson’s needs theory is consistent with the use of concepts and has helped formulate questions giving a source for educational research.

Evaluation Theories are composed of propositions that are based on assumptions derived from nursing models. The following are assumptions in Henderson’s theory, however have not been explicitly stated (Butts & Rich, 2011): * Nurses’ care for patients until the patient can independently care for themselves, or with little assistance. * Health promotion is an important goal of the nurse.

* Nurses devote themselves to the patient day and night in order to

help the patient gain independence. * Nurses should be educated at the university level in both arts and sciences. The propositions underlying Henderson’s theory suggest that nursing is an independent profession and nurses can make independent decisions in providing basic nursing care. Nursing is centered on helping patients successfully and independently perform the 14 basic needs. The nurse is expected to be devoted to the patient in order to successfully determine the patient’s needs and form a plan. Nurses form a nurse-patient relationship and work together to formulate a plan of care that addresses the needs of the patient. I some instances the nurse acts as a substitute for what the patient lacks in strength and knowledge (Butts & Rich, 2011). As previously mentioned, Henderson’s theory describes the four metaparadigms and how they apply to her theory.

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Henderson’s definition of nursing and the 14 basic needs is clearly defined and logical and her ideas have been widely accepted in practice and have provided a basis for further research and a reference for the development of new theories. Henderson’s theory is very general yet has a very broad range to include nurses at all levels and caring for all types of patients (Butts & Rich, 2011). Although the 14 basic needs listed in Henderson’s theory seem simple, they can be rather complex due to the many variables and their explanations. However, even with the theories complexity, the concepts and their relationships demonstrate consistency. Application to practice, education, and research

Henderson’s theory is very broad however has been applied to primary levels of nursing. Virginia Henderson’s 14 basic needs defined nursing.

The 14 needs in Henderson’s theory are easily understood and have been widely used in practice to assist nurses in developing an action plan for each patient to gain independence and have a rapid recovery. The promotion of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of the 14 components of basic nursing as a core basis has been accepted and used as a guide to improve practice. It has also been applied to the curriculum in many schools to define nursing and help students become creative thinkers. Henderson’s theory has also become a source for educational research. The theory has formulated questions for further research to improve nursing practice ("Nursing theory," 2011). Conclusion

Henderson’s theory has greatly influenced nursing practice and continues to provide a conceptual framework for education. As nurses, it is our role to ensure that patients gain their highest level of independence and promote healthy lifestyles. Henderson believed that it is the quality of life rather than life itself that allows a person to gain independence ("Nursing theory," 2011)