Virginia Henderson Nursing Theory - Article Example

Nursing: Virginia Henderson Theory Virginia Henderson nursing theory Virginia Henderson was born in Kansas, Missouri on 30th November 1897.Her father was known as Daniel B. Henderson; a worker with Native Americans and her mother was known as Lucy Minor Henderson. Virginia was the 5th of the 8 Henderson’s children and was brought up in Virginia and educated on her grandfather’s school. Henderson in 1921 became a graduate of the US Army of Nursing based in Washington D .C. In addition, she acquired her BS in 1931/1932, together with a Master’s degree in 1934 from Teachers College in Columbia University (Alligood, 2013). It was not until 1921 when Henderson’s public health career started in Manhattan, New York. Henderson between 1921 and 1923 was also employed by the Visiting Nurse Association of Washington D.C. From 1924, and would work as the first ever full time lecturer in Norfolk Presbyterian Hospital in Virginia starting 1924 up to 1929.In addition, from 1934 to 1948, Henderson was also an instructor at Teachers College (Columbia University).Henderson happened to be a research associate and later in 1971, graduated to the emeritus position, at Yale School of Nursing, a position she continued serving till 1996(Kim & Kollak, 2006). Henderson has also authored and co-authored numerous books and publications. She for instance authored the 4th edition of 1939 Textbook of Principles and Practices of Nursing by Bertha Harmer who had passed on and would later co-author the 5th and 6th editions ,up and until 1975,the 5th edition was the mainly extensively used textbook of nursing both in Spanish and English. Henderson, in addition came up with one of the key nursing theories, referred to as “Henderson’s model” popularly used globally for standardization of nursing as a practice (Henderson, 1966). Henderson has also been honored with several awards such as the 1985 introductory Christiane Reimann Prize regarded as the most esteemed nursing award. Henderson has been UK’s Royal College of Nursing fellow, together with being awarded honorary degrees from up to 13 universities. In addition, Henderson formulated the famous Need Theory of nursing which this paper will look into much detail. Henderson died on 19th March 1996; nevertheless her works still stand as a testimony of how influential she was (Timby, 2009). Henderson’s Nursing Need Theory Henderson developed the Nursing Need Theory which was as a result of her education and practice. Henderson’s objective was not developing a nursing theory, but rather to offer a definition of the exclusive spotlight of nursing practice. Henderson emphasized on primary needs as the key focus of nursing as a practice has resulted to additional development of the theory concerning the requirements of the patient as well as how nursing can assist in meeting those requirements (Timby, 2009). This theory lays emphasize on the significance of patient independence such that the patient continues to improve even after being discharged from hospitalization. Henderson explained the task of a nurse as any of the following; supplementary, assisting the patient in doing something; substitutive which basically is performing something for the sick individual or complementary, which involves working with the sick person to execute something. The above roles assist the patient to become as autonomous as is possible (Treas & Wilkinson, 2013). Assumptions There are 3 key assumptions identified by Henderson in her nursing model. These are; that a nurse should care for a sick person till s/he can care for themselves, even though this is not explicitly stated. Secondly a nurse should be willing to serve together with devoting themselves to the sick person both day and night. Eventually, a nurse should have an education at college level, both in arts and sciences. The 14 components of Henderson’s Theory The 14 components indicate a holistic technique to nursing that envelop the psychological, physiological, social and spiritual. The 1st 9 elements are physiological whereas the 8th and 14th are psychological, the 11th element is moral and spiritual and eventually the 12th and 13th elements are sociological, particularly tackling recreation and occupation. The components are as follows; Physiological components 1. Breathe normally. 2. Eat and drink adequately. 3. Eliminate body wastes. 4. Move and maintain desirable postures. 5. Sleep and rest. 6. Select suitable clothing. That is, dress and undress appropriately. 7. Maintain body temperature within normal range by adjusting clothing and modifying the environment. 8. Keep the body clean and well groomed and protect the integument. 9. Avoid dangers in the environment and avoid injuring others. Psychological Aspects of communicating and learning 10. Communicate with others in expressing emotions, needs, fears, or opinion. 14. Learn, discover, or satisfy the curiosity that leads to normal development and health and use the available health facilities. Spiritual and moral 11. Worship according to one’s faith. Sociologically Oriented to Occupation and Recreation 12. Work in such a way that there is a sense of accomplishment. 13. Play or participate in various forms of recreation. Level of the theory There are basically 4 levels of theory; Metatheory, Grand Theory, Middle Range Theory and Practice Theory. Henderson’s Needs Nursing theory falls under a combination of the Nursing Conceptual Model and Grand Theory. This theory has features of Grand Theory since it covers a wide plus general range of nursing, nevertheless, it does not appear to be very complicated .In addition, Henderson’s theory also bears a resemblance to a Nursing Conceptual Model since there are apparent interrelationships between definitions and concepts (Holzemer, 2010). Henderson’s Theory Research and Practice The amazing thing about Henderson’s Needs Theory is the fact that to date ,it still continues to be applicable to nursing .Thus, the theory covers a person wholly both physically and mentally .Normally research is a step forward towards unending search for the enhancement of the care accorded to the patient. Henderson’s conviction of devising her work with endless polishing has resulted to other later day theorists’ well-defined structures. Henderson’s work acts as a firm foundation for enhancing the groundwork for nursing practice. Henderson even laid emphasis on the significance of research in assessing and enhancing the practice of nurses (Basford & Slevin, 2003). Henderson’s theory regarding the Nursing Definition together with each of the 14 elementary elements for primary nursing care emerged research questions where the role of the nurse to assume responsibility for recognizing problems, for constantly authenticating our roles for enhancing the techniques we use and also reassuring the efficiency of nursing care too. Maximising the exploitation of various resources of knowledge especially from the libraries is highly encouraged for utilisation (Masters, 2014). In her conclusion, Henderson claimed that, “No profession, occupation or industry in this age can evaluate adequately or improve its practice without research.”Henderson’s spirited support for nursing brings forth a tremendous challenge for everyone to recognize new requirements beyond the fourteen that she specified. Her conviction was that research in nursing is important as far as nursing practice is concerned in this age of technological development (Sitzman & Eichelberger, 2011). Henderson’s theory Application to Nursing Practice Henderson gave a comprehensive definition of nursing that echoes true to date and is directly applicable to nursing practice up to now. Nurses world over work to help patients in their day to day activities of living, particularly those that are unable to do so due to an incapacitating condition. Henderson’s 14 elementary Needs have been extremely significant in nursing as a practice. They are very obvious in clinical settings, particularly how nurses carry their tasks in an endeavor to help patients in fulfilling their needs-be it social, physical, spiritual or emotional by addressing not only the patients’ capability to eat but also drink sufficiently, breath normally in addition to eliminating wastes from the body as basic concerns that have to be addressed by nurses (Sitzman & Eichelberger, 2011). Nurses’ devotion in the actual 24/7 practice mirrors its unparalleled importance in performance of tasks for it is the objective of nursing to encourage a higher degree of patient dependence. Nevertheless, in the event that they lack the knowledge and strength, nurses come in as temporary proxy in assisting them fulfill their requirements that neither the family nor their patient can offer. Breathing is particularly important and Henderson’s first fundamental requirement of breathing usually is at almost all times assessed. Oxygen administration should be accordingly given. Henderson’s application on nursing provides an assertion to commence instant provision of biological requirements, for instance, feeding via nasogastric pipe insertion so as to sustain nourishment, whereas catheterization is recommended for patients in need of general surgeries so as to assist them remove waste while unable to do it knowingly. The rising cases of stroke together with people experiencing disabilities consisting of paralysis, the action of “moving and maintaining desirable posture” in assisting of a patient can aid in not only avoiding additional bedsore but also its complications. Thus, the patient suffering from paralysis in the hospital basically requires the assistance of the nurse in various movements as well as assuming different positions within the bed. As the patient remains powerless as to movement, it is the duty of the nurse to support the patient with the use of her skills and knowledge .Thus the nurse assists the patient through chest tapping and turning patient to the right position .In addition, throughout the hospitalization process, the patient is well assisted with mobility and both the family and the patient are well educated on matters pertaining to the sickness (Sitzman & Eichelberger, 2011). Consequently, patient independence is promoted as the patient acquires the ability and strength to execute their daily chores in their normal lives. In addition, the family not only acquires essential knowledge in caring for their loved one but also takes on the challenge of assisting together with caring for the patient while at home after their discharge from the hospital. Thus meeting the fourteen basic needs of the patient has been an enormous reason to further enhance nursing as a care-based practice. These needs have assumed the daily components of providing core care from babyhood to senescence (Basford & Slevin, 2003). Henderson, further, explained that the body and the mind are inseparable and constitutes a single entity. Her theory, which was particularly patient-focused, emphasized the significance of the relationship of the nurse to the patient and improvement of various nursing practices. The nurse, being a direct care provider, feels rewarded on seeing the patient progress to independence. In nursing practice therefore, the encouragement of evaluation, planning together with implementation and assessment of the fourteen elements of fundamental nursing as a core basis ought to be considered every time(Basford & Slevin, 2003). Henderson has also contributed immensely in the nursing profession and her work is used as a basis for training in majority of nursing schools throughout the world. Amongst her popular list of contributions is her renowned nursing definition which requires the nurse to be an independent practitioner and an expert, being empowered with the correct knowledge in primary nursing care so as to accomplish its objective’s definition. Henderson’s definition coupled with the fourteen primary requirements brought remarkable changes in the nursing profession as a practice. This definition made improvement, particularly in teaching and training of nursing interventions applicable to particular disease conditions. Thus the 14 basic needs, as enumerated by Henderson, laid a huge emphasis on the supportive and assistive role of the nurse as far as management of patient care is concerned (Snowden & Donnell, 2014). Relevance and future application to practice goals Henderson’s fundamental care of needs as regards a patient are in day to day use to be effectively used by nurses. Generally, nurses encourage health and prevention, in addition to treatment of infections and illnesses. According to Henderson, good health can be a challenge since it is affected by several different factors like cultural background, age, emotional balance and many other factors. In her definition of nursing, Henderson suggests that nurses should do for others (patients) what they themselves would like done for them if they had the will, knowledge and the strength. She further asserts that nurses can make a patient to be independent of them as soon as is possible .The nurse therefore is anticipated to execute a doctor’s therapeutic plan. Nevertheless, individualized care emerges from the creativity of the nurse in planning for care. Henderson emphasized on the need of medical personnel and nurses to communicate to patients without using a lot of medical jargon, because it is very rude to speak to patients in a language/manner that they are not able to understand. Henderson believed that we as nurses have a responsibility of assisting patients in understanding their mode of treatment so as that they can offer proper feedback and assist in provision of better care. Instances of daily application of Henderson’s theory include maintaining cleanliness in patients, turning or assisting patients get up from bed and sit up, attentive listening to the patients plus hearing their concerns together with their worries (Snowden & Donnell, 2014). As a nurse one can therefore be a mentor and assist a patient with exactly what they require from their care. In addition the nurse is also tasked with ensuring that the patient is properly fed and that they are excreting their wastes appropriately, and if not assist them to. It is also the prerogative of nurses to make sure that all patients under their care are comfortable, both day and night till that time when the patient can be independent and strong enough to care for their own needs. Finally, nurses are also advocates for the patients in various matters and do so by assisting them in getting the right medication and at the right time but also ensuring that they become more independent in their lives once period of care is over (Snowden & Donnell, 2014). In future I can apply Henderson’s theory as a way of getting me to set goals on the basis of her 14 components. Endeavoring to meet the objective of accomplishing the 14 needs of the patient can act as an incredible basis for me to further enhance my performance towards my provision of nursing care. Consequently, in nursing research, every one of the 14 essential concepts can act as a basis for further research even though Henderson never wrote them in testable terms (Snowden & Donnell, 2014). Another instance where I can apply Henderson’s theory is in the case of a newborn baby and its mother. In applying Henderson’s theory, I would concentrate on the personal individual, who in this particular case; the baby and its mother. The 2 would be requiring help so as to effectively perform 1 or all 14 components of their needs. I would also analyse their environment. Thus I would start by ensuring that they are breathing normally and should be free of respiratory sicknesses such as pneumonia (Henderson, 1966). Secondly I would make sure that the 2 are eating plus drinking adequately and thus provide them with adequate electrolytes .Thirdly I would ensure that they are all eliminating their waste appropriately in addition to maintaining their desirable positions, particularly that of the baby. In addition I would ensure that both mother and baby have adequate rest and sleep. Since both would be tired, I would instruct the mother to sleep when the baby takes a nap. As a nurse in charge, I would also provide a suitable environment for clothing both herself and the child. In case the mother has no suitable attire, then as the nurse in charge, I can advise and assist with names of agencies that can help her with suitable attire (Henderson, 1966). Taking note of the 7th component in Henderson’s theory, I can advise the mother not only on use of air conditioner but also opening the windows so as to provide baby and mother with suitable air movement. As a nurse I would also help the mother in baby bathing as well as lotion application to the baby’s bottom so as to avoid skin breakdown, in addition, to teaching the mother the significance of cleanliness together with the effects of failing to protect the skin-particularly that of a baby having diarrhea. In so doing, I would follow all Henderson’s 14 components and ensure wellbeing of the 2.This clearly demonstrates applicability and practicability of the Needs theory in action, now and into the future. References Barbara, T. (2009). Fundamental Nursing Skills and Concepts. New York,NY: Wolters Kluwer Health . Basford L., & Slevin, O. (2003). Theory and Practice of Nursing:An Integrated Approach to Caring Practice. New York,NY: Nelson Thornes. Kathleen, M. (2014). Role Development in Professional Nursing Parctice. New York,NY: Jones & Bartlett Learning,LLC. Kim H., & Kollak, I. (2006). Nursing Theories:Conceptual and Philosophical Foundations. New York,NY: Springer Publishing Company. Martha, A. (2013). Nursing Theory:Utilization & Application. New York,NY: Elsevier-Health Sciences Division. Sitzman,E. (2011). Understanding the Work of Nurse Theorists:A Creative Beginning. New York,NY: Jones & Bartlett Learning. Snowden, A.,& Donnell, A. (2014). Pioneering Theories in Nursing . New York,NY: Quay Books Division. Treas, L., & Wilkinson, J. (2013). Basic Nursing:Concepts,Skills,& Reasoning. New york,NY: F.A Davis. Virginia, H. (1966). The Nature of Nursing:A Definition and Its Implications for Practice,Research,and Education. New York,NY: AbeBooks. William, H. (2010). Improving Health Through Nursing Reserach. New York,NY: John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Read More