VIRGINIA HENDERSON - NURSING NEED THEORY
Virginia Avenel Henderson, (November 30, 1897 – March 19, 1996) was an influential nurse, researcher, theorist and author.[1]
Henderson is famous for a definition of nursing: "The unique function of the nurse is to assist the individual, sick or well, in the performance of those activities contributing to health or its recovery (or to peaceful death) that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength, will or knowledge" (first published in Henderson & Nite 1978, p. 5, 1955 ed.).She is known as "the first lady of nursing" and has been called, "arguably the most famous nurse of the 20th century"and "the quintessential nurse of the twentieth century". In a 1996 article in the Journal of Advanced Nursing Edward Halloran wrote, "Virginia Henderson's written works will be viewed as the 20th century equivalent of those of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale."
Henderson is famous for a definition of nursing: "The unique function of the nurse is to assist the individual, sick or well, in the performance of those activities contributing to health or its recovery (or to peaceful death) that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength, will or knowledge" (first published in Henderson & Nite 1978, p. 5, 1955 ed.).She is known as "the first lady of nursing" and has been called, "arguably the most famous nurse of the 20th century"and "the quintessential nurse of the twentieth century". In a 1996 article in the Journal of Advanced Nursing Edward Halloran wrote, "Virginia Henderson's written works will be viewed as the 20th century equivalent of those of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale."
The Nursing Need Theory was developed by Virginia A. Henderson to define the unique focus of nursing practice. The theory focuses on the importance of increasing the patient’s independence to hasten their progress in the hospital. Henderson’s theory emphasizes on the basic human needs and how nurses can assist in meeting those needs.
The 14 components of the Need Theory show a holistic approach to nursing that covers the physiological, psychological, spiritual and social needs.
Physiological Components
1. Breathe normally
2. Eat and drink adequately
3. Eliminate body wastes
4. Move and maintain desirable postures
5. Sleep and rest
6. Select suitable clothes – dress and undress
7. Maintain body temperature within normal range by adjusting clothing and modifying environment
8. Keep the body clean and well groomed and protect the integument
9. Avoid dangers in the environment and avoid injuring others
Psychological Aspects of Communicating and Learning
10. Communicate with others in expressing emotions, needs, fears, or opinions.
14. Learn, discover, or satisfy the curiosity that leads to normal development and health and use the available health facilities.
Spiritual and Moral
11. Worship according to one’s faith
Sociologically Oriented to Occupation and Recreation
12. Work in such a way that there is sense of accomplishment
13. Play or participate in various forms of recreation
1. Breathe normally
2. Eat and drink adequately
3. Eliminate body wastes
4. Move and maintain desirable postures
5. Sleep and rest
6. Select suitable clothes – dress and undress
7. Maintain body temperature within normal range by adjusting clothing and modifying environment
8. Keep the body clean and well groomed and protect the integument
9. Avoid dangers in the environment and avoid injuring others
Psychological Aspects of Communicating and Learning
10. Communicate with others in expressing emotions, needs, fears, or opinions.
14. Learn, discover, or satisfy the curiosity that leads to normal development and health and use the available health facilities.
Spiritual and Moral
11. Worship according to one’s faith
Sociologically Oriented to Occupation and Recreation
12. Work in such a way that there is sense of accomplishment
13. Play or participate in various forms of recreation
