Susan Felicia Virginia Henderson RN MSN

8/12/2019 Susan Felicia Virginia Henderson RN MSN

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Virginia Henderson, RN, MSN

Nursing Theorist

Susan Felicia, RN


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Background

Well known author, theorist and nurse educator

Born in Kansas City, Missouri on November 30,

1897; Died March 19, 1996 1937with others, created nursing curriculum

for the National League of Nursing

patient centered and organized around nursingproblems rather than medical diagnoses

(Henderson, 1991, p.19)


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Definition of Nursing

Henderson is famous for a definition of

nursing: "The unique function of the nurse is

to assist the individual, sick or well, in theperformance of those activities contributing to

health or its recovery (or to peaceful death)

that he would perform unaided if he had thenecessary strength, will or knowledge"(Wills,

2007,p.139)


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Hendersons 14 Activities for

Client Assistance(Henderson,1991,p.22-23)

Breathe normally

Eat and drinkadequately

Eliminate body waste

Move and maintaindesirable posture

Sleep and rest

Suitable clothesdressand undress

Maintain bodytemperature

Keep the body cleanand well groomed

Avoid dangers in the

environment Express emotions, fears,

needs and opinions

Worship ones faith

Work for clients senseof accomplishment

Participate in recreation

Learn, satisfy, discover


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Concepts

Metaparadigm

Nursing, health, patient and environment

Educated under a medical model transformed

into a nursing model

Empirical vs. Esthetic Pattern of Knowing

Art, Science and Teachingcannot be divided

and examined separately living and an appreciation for human life are

the sinequa non of the modem nurse(Halloran, 1996,p.20)


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Nursing Theory

Inuit means 'human beings' - phrase without

bias associated related to race, nationality or

sex (Halloran, 1996,p.18)

Goal of nursing is to help people be free of

nursing care as soon as possible returning the

patient to a state of independence or the

baseline of autonomy at the onset of his/herillness


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Research

Testability of the practice and outcomes ofnursing

Each of the 14 activities can be the basis for

research (Wills, 2007, p.140) Interpretation: quantitative and qualitative

research has been beneficial in evaluating this

theory due to the combination of actions (14activities) and the assumed devotion of thenurse to his/her patients (affective evaluation)


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Application to Practice

Current practicecardiac step down unit specializingin heart failure

Goal of nursing care is to return the patient to his/heroptimal self care ability via education on diet,medications, daily weights and follow up appointmentsto the physician

Challengesdue to co morbidities associated withheart failure, some patients may not have the desire or

capability to return to their pre-admission state,therefore, the nurse must accept the patientsperspective and definition of wellness


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Question?

How does the nurse accept indifference torecovery?

Sometimes frustration

Labeling the patient non compliant Accepting the limitations of the patients ability to

move beyond the disease

Reach out on the patients behalf for psychological

and emotional support (consult a professional)

What would you do?


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References

Halloran, E.. Journal of Advanced Nursing. Virginiahenderson and her timeless writings.23.(1996,p.17-24).

Henderson, V. A.The Nature of Nursing Reflectionsafter Twenty Five Years. New York. NationalLeague for Press.

McEwen, M., Wills, E. Theoretical Basis for Nursing.Wills, E. Grand nursing theories based on human

needs.Philadelphia. Lippincott Williams &Wilkins.

Documents

Susan Felicia Virginia Henderson RN MSN