Evaluation of Virginia Henderson’s Theory Introduction Virginia Henderson’s Theory correlates with my philosophy of nursing in a way in which I believe a primary focus is on the patient, looking at their specific needs or “getting inside them” as Henderson stated (Butts & Rich, 2013). A person is a whole, but made up of parts and the mind and body is a unit. Henderson referred to a specific 14 components addressing these parts. I believe the health of a person is fluid so if you change a certain aspect or variable in these components, you need to address it to make them whole or independent, whatever that means to that person, respecting their autonomy as Henderson addresses; and specifically, a peaceful death if one yearns. Henderson also captures the phrase in which she believed that “the beauty of nursing is the combination of your heart, your head and your hands” (Butts & Rich, 2013). Henderson demonstrates basic nursing care in her model but also utilizes the nursing process in her approach. Henderson exploits a logical, well-rounded, and holistic approach while also incorporating the nursing theory process (Ahtisham & Jacoline, 2015). The art and science of nursing in which I strongly believe correlates with Henderson’s definition as she gave prominence to the art of nursing, as well as the need for empathetic understanding. Analysis of the Theory Major Concepts Virginia Henderson was a successful woman titled as “the Nightingale of modern nursing” (Ahtisham & Jacoline, 2015) through her career as a nurse, author, educator and researcher. She developed her famous 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
HENDERSON’S NEED THEORY ANALYSIS3 or its recovery (or to a peaceful death) that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength, will, or knowledge and to do this in such a way as to help him gain independence as rapidly as possible” (Butts & Rich, 2013). Henderson expanded her definition of nursing by identifying 14 basic needs or components. Eight of the components are related to bodily functions; the other six convey to safety and understanding the meaning of life. These components of nursing care also include helping others obtain their 14 basic needs while promoting health with independence so their progress after discharge is not delayed (Butts & Rich, 2013). Ahtisham & Jacoline, (2015) discuss that “the first nine components are physiological. The tenth and fourteenth are psychological aspects of communicating and learning. The eleventh component is spiritual and moral. The twelfth and thirteenth components are sociologically oriented to occupation and recreation.” These fundamentals are basic needs which can be stemmed from Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs. She described the following 14 fundamental needs: “breathing, eating and drinking, eliminating, mobilizing, sleeping and resting, dressing, maintaining body temperature, cleaning and grooming, avoiding injury, communicating and expressing emotions, worshiping, working, and playing and learning” (McCrae, 2012, p.223) Metaparadigm Henderson did not conceptualize that her components were a nursing theory but the four metaparadigms are distinguishable throughout her publications.
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