Nursing Theorists

Nursing theorist Virginia Henderson, RN was a visionary, well ahead of her time in terms of her vision for the present and future of nursing. The major concept of her Definition of Nursing theory addresses the role of healthy independence for a nurse in addressing the holistic needs of a patient who is unable to self care, and therefore cannot attain independence due to knowledge deficit or debility or decreased will. The nurse practically fulfills the 14 basic needs in ways that are patient centered and revolve around the patient, the nurse, the environment and health and wellbeing. Definition of Nursing theory transcends culture, country, age, gender, social economic class, because it addresses practical rehabilitation of both the nurse and the patient albeit in different fashions. It involves interdisciplinary coordination of care because it is a guiding light for how an nurse can have a collaborative approach with a physician for the patient to reach the patient centered goal of independence. Ms. Henderson has said, 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 ( HYPERLINK http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Henderson l CITEREFHenderson_.26_Nite1978 Henderson Nite 1978). Ms. Henderson was one of the first to propose that medical diagnoses and nursing principles and functions are distinct entities that can blend collaborately for the good of the patient a fact that is still applicable today. Virginia Hendersons Definition of Nursing theory resonates with me and my belief about how and what nursing is in relation to myself as a person, a professional as well as what my obligation to patients is and how to most effectively deliver that obligation. Henderson described the role of the nurse in a patient centered, goal oriented, therapeutic