1. Virginia Henderson’s Need Theory of Nursing
By: Jasmine S. Wiseman, RN
NSG 463

2. About Virginia Henderson
Also known as “The First Lady of Nursing”
Born in Kansas City, Missouri on November 30, 1897
Received her diploma in nursing from Army School of Nursing at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC in 1921
Received her Bachelor’s degree in 1932 & Master’s degree in 1934 both from Teachers College at Columbia University
(Virginia Henderson-The First Lady, 2014)

3. Virginia Henderson’s Nursing Career
Worked as a nursing instructor from at Norfolk Protestant Hospital in Norfolk, Va
In 1930 started working at a nursing supervisor and a clinical instructor at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY
Worked from as a nursing instructor and associate professor at Teachers College at Columbia University
In 1953 started work as a research associate at Yale University School of Nursing
From was a research associate emeritus at Yale University School of Nursing
(Virginia Henderson-The First Lady, 2014)

4. Virginia Henderson’s Written Work
Principles and Practices of Nursing
Nursing Research: Survey & Assessment
Basic Principles of Nursing
Nursing Studies Index
Co-authored 5th and 6th Ed of Textbook of Principles and Practices of Nursing
(Virginia Henderson-The First Lady, 2014)

5. Main Theme of the Needs Theory
The patient is treated as an individual that needs help from the nurse to gain independence
(Taylor, Lillis, Lemone, & Lynne, 2011).

6. Theoretical Concepts
The nurse is to care for the patient until they are able to care for themselves
Allow patient to be more independent in their care
Focus on the 14 basic human needs of the patient
(Virginia Henderson’s Nursing Need Theory, 2014)

7. (Virginia Henderson’s Nursing Need Theory, 2014)

8. Why the Theory was Developed
Virginia Henderson was unhappy with the amount of emphasis nursing schools placed on technical skills and nursing procedures and not on the actual patient
(Blais & Hayes, 2011).

9. How the Theory Relates to Practice Today
Straightforward and is functional to patients of any age
(Virginia Henderson’s Nursing Need Theory, 2014)

10. Limitations of the Theory
On the topic of death & dying, the theory does not mention helping the patient transition through a “peaceful death”
(Virginia Henderson’s Nursing Need Theory, 2014)

11. Need Theory Compared with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
(Virginia Henderson’s Nursing Need Theory, 2014)

12. How the Theory Relates to My Practice
I am a strong believer of letting my patients be as independent as they can be with their care
By allowing patients to be more independent, it gives them more authority in their care
I feel that it also gives patients motivation to heal

13. References
Blais, K. & Hayes, J. (2011). Professional nursing practice. Concepts and perspectives (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Taylor, C., Lillis, C., LeMone, P., & Lynn, P. (2011). Fundamentals of nursing: The
art and science of nursing care (6th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams
& Wilkins.

14. References Cont.
Virginia Henderson’s nursing need theory. (2014). Retrieved October 4, 2014, from
Virginia Henderson- the first lady of nursing. (2014). Retrieved October 4, 2014, from