Virginia Henderson

Theory Name

Definition of nursing

Theory type

Grand theory

Main concept

The nurse is an independent practitioner who is aiding the patient to become as independent as possible in all life activities

The nurse is an independent authority and a vital aide to other practitioners in the field of health care to ensure medical treatment for patients who need it

Key Concepts

The nurse's basic care approach is the same no matter the status of the patient. Nurses treat the human, not the disease.

Focus

Helping patients gain independence

How she viewed the person:

The individual with emotional, physical, mental, needs that is deserving of respectful support.

How she views health:

The ability for a patient to function to the standard of everyday needs without the presence of a nurse

How she viewed environment:

External factors that affects the patient’s well-being (including SES, culture, and community)

How she viewed nursing

Assist the patient (person) in performing the tasks of everyday life (activities that the individual can perform unaided if they had the necessary strength)  ​

Example of theory

• Nurse helps the patient eat and drink until they are able to do it on their own

• Nurse helps the patient bathe and have proper hygiene until they can do it without any assistance

• Nurse teaches the patient how to manage their pain and proper address their wound care for any inspections

• Nurses ensure the patient is comfortable in the environment they are in to make a full recovery

What is she often called

The first lady of nursing

Imporant things

Got an award from the NLN
Never married
Library named after her

How she viewed nurses

To follow and assist with the medical plan of care outlined by a physician and to assume a leadership role of planning and providing basic nursing care