Virginia Henderson’s Nursing Need Theory
Introduction
The application of nursing theories in the clinical nursing setting varies greatly depending on the context. However, all such theories aim to achieve high levels of care for patients regardless of who they are or their background. The current discussion has chosen to focus on Virginia Henderson’s Need Theory, developed to increase patients’ independence and ensure that the post-hospitalization recovery process runs smoothly.
The discussion will be divided into three parts: an exploration of the theorist’s background, an analysis of the theory’s main components, and an assessment of its relevance to nursing practice. While many theories support nurses’ care choices and methods, understanding Henderson’s Need Theory will help improve patient care because of its universal nature, simplicity, and positive outlook on nursing care.
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Virginia Henderson, born on November 30, 1897, pioneered the concept of needs-based nursing. Henderson enrolled in the Army School of Nursing after moving from Kansas City, Missouri, to Washington, D.C. (Ahtisham & Jacoline, 2015). After graduating from university in 1921, Henderson worked as a nurse at the Henry Street Visiting facility. Henderson began her academic career as a teacher at the Norfolk Protestant Hospital in Virginia in 1923. (Ahtisham & Jacoline, 2015).
Henderson earned a Bachelor’s degree in 1932 from Columbia University’s Teachers College, followed by a Master’s degree in 1934. Her career progressed to become a representative of the Columbia University faculty, where she remained until 1948. Later, the Yale University School of Nursing offered Henderson the research associate position, which she accepted to expand her knowledge.
Given her enormous contribution to nursing theory, the scholar is entirely relevant. Henderson became an unrivaled expert in nursing after receiving numerous recognitions and acclaims from numerous educational institutions, including Honorary doctoral degrees. Henderson also contributed to the correction and editing of Harmer’s classic nursing manual and incorporated her own definitions. She passed away on March 19, 1996. (George, 2011).
