Virginia Henderson-Theory critique
Background
Referred to by some as the “Florence Nightingale of the twentieth century,” Virginia Henderson made many contributions to nursing (Butts & Rich, 2011). She was born in 1987, in Kansas City, MO, and devoted more than 60 years of her life as a nurse, teacher, author, and researcher (2011).
Henderson became interested in nursing during World War I with a desire to help the sick and wounded militants. She graduated from nursing school in 1921 and began her nursing career in New York City. In 1926, Henderson returned to school and completed her bachelor of science degree and master of arts in nursing education (2011). She then went on to write several nursing publications and established one of the most precise definitions of nursing (2011).
Similar to Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, Henderson defines nursing through 14 components based on human needs, and because of this has been called the “needs theory” (Potter & Perry, 2005). These needs pertain to bodily functions, safety, and psychological needs. The goal in this theory is for patients, whether well or sick, to regain independence at their fullest potential and includes the phenomenon of the patient’s physiological, psychosocial, sociocultural, spiritual, and developmental realms ("Nursing theories," 2012).
The 14 components * Breathe normally. Eat and drink adequately. * Eliminate body wastes. * Move and maintain desirable postures. * Sleep and rest. * Select suitable clothes-dress and undress. * Maintain body temperature within normal range by adjusting clothing and modifying environment * Keep the body clean and well groomed and protect the integument * Avoid dangers in the environment and avoid injuring others. * Communicate with others in expressing emotions, needs, fears, or opinions. * Worship according to one’s faith. * Work in such a way that
References: Butts, J. B., & Rich, K. L. (2011). Philosophies and theories for advanced nursing practice. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning. Henderson’s need theory. (2011). Retrieved from http://nursing-theory.org/theories-and-models/henderson-need-theory.php Potter, P., & Perry, A. (2005). Theoretical foundations of nursing practice. In Fundamentals of nursing (6th ed., pp. 61-70). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Virginia Henderson’s need theory. (2012). Retrieved from http://currentnursing.com/nursing_theory/Henderson.html Yee, D., & Tarusan, C. (Cartographer). (n.d.). Henderson theorist concept map [Concept map]. : Retrieved from http://cmapspublic3.ihmc.us/rid=1J4J5H2B0-W06NH4-SG0/Henderson%20Theorist%20Concept%20Map.cmap