HENDERSON’S DEFINITION OF NURSING
VIRGINA HENDERSON Graduated- 1921 BS, MA- 1926 During the time of world war I- she came to nursing- seeing the sufferings. 1955- published her definition of nursing in a text book called the “Principle and Practice of Nursing”. 1966- she clarified her definition in the book “Nature of Nursing”. This definition is based on Physiology, Medicine, Psychology, Physics. She also received honorary doctorate .
GENERAL INFORMATION Henderson views her book as a philosophical statement rather than a theory because the term theory was not used at that time. She emphasizes the care of both sick and well individuals She was one of the first theorists to include spiritual aspects of nursing care. According to Henderson, the nurse assists the patient with essential activities to maintain health, recover from illness or achieve a peaceful death.
GENERAL INFORMATION The patients independence is an important criterion for health. Henderson’s 14 basic needs closely parallel those of Abraham Maslow. 1 to 7 relate to physiological needs 8-9 : safety 10: self esteem 10 & 11 : love and belongingness 11- 14 : self actualization. Considered together, the 14 basic needs provide a holistic approach to nursing.
HENDERSON’S BASIC NEEDS Breathe normally. Eat and drink adequately. Eliminate body wastes. Move and maintain desirable position. Sleep and rest. Select suitable clothes. Maintain body temperature. Maintain body cleanliness and grooming.
HENDERSON’S BASIC NEEDS 9. Avoid dangers in environment and avoid injuring others. 10. Communicate with others to express emotions, needs and fears of opinions. 11. Worship according to one’s faith. 12.Work in a way that provides a sense of accomplishment. 13. Play or participate in various forms of recreation. 14. Learn, discover or satisfy the curiosity that leads to normal development and health.
PARADIGMS PERSON Viewed as an individual requiring assistance to achieve health and independence or a peaceful death. The person and family are viewed as a unit. Is affected by both body and mind. Consist of biological, psychological and spiritual components. Either sick or well and strives towards a state of independence. Has certain basic needs for survival. Needs strength will or knowledge to perform activities necessary for healthy living.
PARADIGMS ENVIRONMENT Is not specifically defined by Henderson. Involves the relationship one shares with family. Also involves the community and its responsibility for providing health care. She believes that the society wants and expects nurses to provide a service for individuals incapable of functioning independently, but in return she expects society to contribute to nursing education.
PARADIGMS ENVIRONMENT (Contd…) Can be controlled by healthy individuals; illness may interfere with this ability. Can affect health. Personal factors (age, culture, and intellect) and physical factors (air, temperature) play a role in a person's well being.
PARADIGMS HEALTH Refers to an individual’s ability to function independently in relationship to the 14 basic needs. Is a quality of life that is basic to human functioning. Requires strength, will or knowledge.
PARADIGMS NURSING The unique function of the nurse is to assist an individual sick or well, in the performance of those activities contributing to health 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.
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