VIRGINIA HENDERSON’S THEORY

GENERAL OBJECTIVES-

At the end of the seminar, the group will be able to gain in depth knowledge regarding the
Virginia Henderson’s nursing theory and they will be able to apply this theory in their
nursing practice.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES-

 Define nursing theory

 Enumerate importance of theory in nursing
 Enlist purposes of nursing theory
 Highlight the history of Virginia Henderson
 Explain development of Henderson’s definition of nursing
 Enumerate characteristics of Henderson’s theory
 Explain Henderson’s theory and nursing metaparadigm
 Describe application of Henderson’s theory in practice, education and research
 Discuss Virginia Henderson’s theory and the Nursing process
 Enlist the usefulness, testability and limitations of Henderson’s theory.

INTRODUCTION-
A theory is a set of concepts and propositions that provide an orderly way to view
phenomena. In the scientific literature, theory may be defined in many different ways, with
subtle nuances specific to the particular author’s viewpoint. These various explanations share
a common notion of the purpose of the theory, that being description, explanation, and
prediction. “The purpose of a theory in scientific disciplines is to guide research to
enhance the science by supporting existing knowledge or generating new knowledge”. A
theory not only helps us to organize our thoughts and ideas, but it may also help direct us in
what to do and when and how to do it. The use of the term theory is not restricted to the
scientific world, however. It is often used in daily life and conversation.
For example, when telling a friend about a mystery novel you are reading, you may have
said, “I have a theory about who committed the crime.” Or you may have heard a Little
League coach saying to his players, “I have a theory about how to improve our performance.”
The way in which this term is used in these statements is a useful way to think about the
meaning of theory.
Nursing theory provides a perspective from which to define the what of nursing, to describe
the who of nursing (who is the client) and when nursing is needed, and to identify the
boundaries and goals of nursing’s therapeutic activities. Theory is fundamental to effective
nursing practice and research. The professionalization of nursing has been and is being
brought about through the development and use of nursing theory.
Nursing theories offer an organized and systematic way to express statements related to
questions in nursing, providing nurses with the opportunity to describe, predict, explain, and
control phenomena related to their practice. Originally designed to establish nursing as a
recognized profession, nursing theories today help nurses organize the way they deliver care
to patients as professionals.
DEFINITION OF NURSING THEORY-
The definition of Nursing Theory is an organized framework of concepts and purposes
designed to guide the practice of nursing.

IMPORTANCE OF THEORY IN NURSING-

Nursing theories are models that use common language to answer questions about
nursing practice in way that makes sense. Nursing professionals apply Nursing Theory to
describe, explain, predict or prescribe nursing practice.
There are four levels of theory: meta-theory, grand theory, middle range theory, and practice
theory.
1. Meta-Theory-
Practice theory is the lowest of the theories while meta-theory is the highest level of theory.
A nursing meta-theory presents the most global perspective of the nursing discipline. It's only
natural that meta-theory has parts of grand theory, middle range theory and practice theory.
2. Grand-Theory-
Grand theories are general constructions regarding the overall nature and goals of nursing,
according to Marilyn Parker
Grand theory emphasizes a global viewpoint with a board perspective of nursing. It is broad
in scope and less abstract. Grand Theory provides the foundation for middle-range theory.
3. Middle Range Theory-
Middle range theories, according to Parker, are composed of specific concepts and research
that can be applied to nursing practice. These theories offer the nurse many practical
strategies for delivering quality patient care.
Middle range theories are abstract, inclusive and organized with a limited scope. It carries
variables that have to be proven and tested. Middle range has a stronger relationship with
research and practice. It focuses on concepts of pain, grief, hope, comfort, and quality of life.
4. Practice Theory-
Parker points out that nursing practice theories deal with the issues and questions that pertain
to specific populations or practice settings. These practice theories provide models that help
nurses deal with problematic day-to-day experiences in their practice.
In practice theory, there are four steps to follow: you have to identify and describe a
phenomenon, identify and describe possible explanations, predict the occurrence and control
or eliminate the cause. Practice theory is the practice that is most seen from nurses.
PURPOSES OF NURSING THEORY-
Nursing theory establishes the practice of nursing as a profession, a discipline and a
science. Nursing theory has many useful purposes for the practice, such as assessment,
planning, implementation and evaluation and in directing nursing research.

Assessment-
Assessment involves the process of gathering information about the patient. This
would include taking a history and asking some questions about their health, such as
rating their pain. It also involves taking vital signs, observing behavior and physical
manifestations.
Planning-
Establishing a plan of care is essential. It refers to setting goals for patient outcomes
and deciding upon a set of nursing actions in order to achieve them. Some examples
might be relieve pain by giving pain medications as needed or to bear partial weight
by discharge by assisting and encouraging the patient to stand and ambulate. The
goals always must have a measurable outcome.
Implementation-
Implementation in nursing refers to the process of carrying out a plan of patient care
through the execution of a set of specific nursing actions. This includes delegating
responsibility. Administering treatment and patient teaching are also examples of
implementation.
Evaluation-
Evaluation requires the nurse to determine whether goals of patient care have been
met and if adjustments need to be made. This involves consultations with other
members of the health care team. It also involves the patient. Evaluation subsequently
leads back into assessment and planning.
Research-
Nursing theory is a useful guide for the profession as it helps determine and establish
known phenomena and encourages the formulation of questions for further study. In
this way, it influences the direction and uniformity of nursing practice.

FOUR CONCEPTS OF THE NURSING PARADIGM-

The nursing paradigm has developed over time from the practices and beliefs of professional
practitioners to give structure to the body of knowledge that is necessary to successfully meet
the goals of the profession. The paradigm defines four basic concepts: the target of the care
(individual), the external influences on the target (environment), the goal of the care (health),
and the care itself (nursing)
  Individual
The individual may refer to a single person, a family, or any group of people who are in need
of nursing care. In a description of their nursing philosophy the University of Wisconsin
(UW)--Green Bay states that individuals are in collaboration with the nurse and share the
responsibility for their own health. The Lakeview College of Nursing points out that
individuals have a basic need for recognition and respect as well as a right to participate in
decisions that affect their own wellness.

 Environment
The environment in which the individual exists is an important influence on his health and
well-being. It includes the cultural, social, political, spiritual and economic influences on the
individual, and nursing care includes monitoring and sometimes modifying the interactions of
the individual with the environment.
 Health

Health is defined by Lakeview College of Nursing as a perceived state of well-being, while

UW--Green Bay defines it as a harmonious connection of the physical, psychological, social
and spiritual parts of an individual within himself, with those around him and with his
environment. However it is defined, the health of the individual is the goal of nursing.

 Nursing
Nursing involves the individual's experiences, feelings, behaviors and interactions with his
environment. In its position paper on the Scope of Nursing Practice, the International Council
of Nurses (ICN) states that nursing is not a set of specific tasks but includes direct care
giving, promoting health and patients, leading, managing, teaching and researching. UW--
Green Bay adds that nursing requires the development of a concerned relationship between
the individual and the nurse, the use of state-of-the-art medical knowledge, and the exercise
of good judgment to promote good health and healing.
Virginia Avenel Henderson was described in so many names. Some called her “The
Nightingale of Modern Nursing”. Others named her as “Modern-Day Mother of Nursing” and
“The 20th Century Florence Nightingale”. She was born on November 30, 1897 in Kansas,
Missouri and was the fifth of eight children of Daniel Brosius Henderson and Lucy Minor
Abbot.
The Henderson family moved to Virginia in 1901, where Miss Henderson grew into
adulthood. In 1918, she entered the Army School of Nursing in Washington, DC, and in
1921, she received her nursing diploma. She worked at the Henry Street Visiting Nurse
Service for 2 years after graduation. Henderson, very much wanted to teach nursing, therefore
accepted her first instructor position in 1924 at the Norfolk Protestant Hospital in Virginia. In
1953, Henderson accepted a research associate position in Yale University School of
Nursing. The project was designed to survey and assess the status of nursing research in the
United States. From 1959 to 1971, Henderson was funded to direct the Nursing Studies Index
Project. The result of the project was the publication of the four-volume Nursing Studies
Index, the first annotated index of nursing research. Henderson had now deserved the title of
research associate emeritus at Yale University. At 75 years of age, Henderson focused her
career on international teaching and speaking engagements. Virginia Henderson’s definition
of nursing, considered to be a classic, first appeared in 1955.

The unique function of the nurse is to assist the 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 has the necessary strength, will, or knowledge. And to do this in such a
way as to help him gain independence as rapidly as possible.
(Henderson, 1966)

Together with Bertha Harmer, Henderson attempted to identify those basic human needs
viewed as the basis of nursing care. There are 14 basic needs of the individual. Henderson
viewed the nursing role as helping the client from dependence to independence. As an early
nursing theorist, Henderson did not intend to develop a theory of nursing, but rather she
attempted to define the unique focus of nursing. Henderson’s emphasis on basic human needs
as the central focus of nursing practice has led to further theory development regarding the
needs of the person and how nursing can assist in meeting those needs

Achievements-

She is a recipient of numerous recognitions for her outstanding contributions to nursing.

 well known nursing educator and a prolific author.
 received honorary doctoral degrees from the Catholic University of America, Pace
University, University of Rochester, University of Western Ontario,Yale University
 warranted an obituary in the New York Times, Friday March 22. 1996.
 honored at the Annual Meeting of the Nursing and Allied Health Section of the
Medical Library Association In 1985.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF HENDERSON’S DEFINITION OF NURSING

Two events are the basis for Henderson’s development of a definition of nursing.

First, she participated in the revision of a nursing textbook. Second, she was concerned that
many states had no provision for nursing licensure to ensure safe and competent care for the
consumer.
In the revision she recognized the need to be clear about the functions of the nurse and she
believed that this textbook serves as a main learning source for nursing practice should
present a sound and definitive description of nursing. Furthermore, the principles and practice
or nursing must be built upon and derived from the definition of the profession. Although
official statements on the nursing function were published by the ANA in 1932 and 1937,
Henderson viewed these statements as nonspecific and unsatisfactory definitions of nursing
practice. Then in 1955, the earlier ANA definition was modified. Henderson's focus on
individual care is evident in that she stressed assisting individuals with essential activities to
maintain health, to recover, or to achieve peaceful death. She proposed 14 components of
basic nursing care to augment her definition. In 1955, Henderson’s first definition of nursing
was published in Bertha Harmer’s revised nursing textbook.
To her the unique fucntion of the nurse is to assist the individual, sick or well, in the
performance of those activities contributing to health or its recovery(or to peaceful death),
that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength, will or knowledge.

Philosophical claims-

The philosophy reflected in Henderson's theory is an integrated approach to scientific study

that would capitalize on nursing's richness and complexity, and not to separate the art from
the science, the "doing" of nursing from the "knowing", the psychological from the physical
and the theory from clinical care.

CHARACTERISTIC OF HENDERSON’S THEORY-

Prior to the development of concepts and theories of nursing, Henderson formulated the
definition of nursing. Her intent was to identify the specific functions the nurse performs,
rather than to describe the theoretical basis for nursing practice. But, her work can be applied
to nurse and characteristics of theoryas given below-
1. theories can interrelate concepts in such a way as to create a difference-
Henderson uses the concept of fundamental human needs, biopsychpology and culture
and interaction and communication. Their concept being borrowed from other
disciplines rather than being unique to nursing. Maslow hierracy of needs fits well
with the 14 basic components. The first 9 components are physiological and safety
needs. The remaining 5 components deal with love and belonging, social esteem and
self- acknowledgement needs. She uses biophysical concept in making dfecisions
about nursing care. The concept of culture on its affects human needs learned from
the family and other social groups. She believes in sensitivity to non- verbal
communication is essential to encourage the expressionof feelings. Furthermore, a
prerequisite to validate patient needs is a constructive nurse Patient relationship.
2. Theories must be logical in nature- Henderson’s definition and components are
logical. The nurse4 assists the individual to perform those activities contributing to
health or its recovery or peaceful death and encourages independences as quickly as
possible. The 14 components are a guide for a individual and nurse in reaching the
chosen goals. The components start with physiological functioning and moves to the
psychosocial aspect, which conveys the idea that bodily, operation is a priority to
emotional or cognitive status.

3. Theories should be relatively simple yet generalize- Henderson’s work is relatively

simple yet generalizable with some limitations. Her work can be applied to health of
the individuals of all ages. A nurse functioning at various levels and in diverse
cultures has used her definition. But it is Lacking in empirical in testing to
generalizability and 14 components.

4. Theories can be a bases for the hypotheses that can be tested or for theory to be
explained.- it is impossible to generate hypotheses from the Henderson definition of
nursing. Although she is an advocate of conducting research in nursing, favours
studies directed to improve nursing practice rather than those conducted as an
academic or theoretical endeavour. She believes that research is not substitute for
 instinctive and intuitive reactions to situations but that these reactions are influenced
by the nurses knowledge of science that guides human behaviuour in the society of
which nursing is an integral part.

5. Theories contribute to and assist in increasing body of knowledge within

discipline through research- to validate in Henderson ideas of nursing practice are
well accepted throughout the world as a basis of nursing care . however , impact of
the definition and components has not been established throughout the world as a
basis of nursing care. However, impact of the definition and components has not been
established through research. Well designed empirical/ studies are needed to
determine Henderson’s contribution to worldwide knowledge about nursing practice
and patient outcomes. This would help validate her beliefs about the unique functions
of nursing.

6. Theories can be used by practitioner to guide and improve their practice- idelly,
the nurse would improve nursing practice by using the definition and 14 components
of nursing given by Henderson to improve the health of the individuals and thus
reduce illness. The final desirable outcome would be measure of recovery rate, health
promotion and eminence or a peaceful death.

7. Theories must be consistent with other validated theses, laws, principles, but
leave open unanswered questions that need to be investigating- there is a potential
for comparison of Henderson’s definition and components with validated theories,
laws and principles. The concepts of fundamental human needs, culture,
independance and interaction- communication are widely investigated by nurse –
researchers as well as those in the social and psychological disciplines.

EVALUATION OF THEORY-

Before one attempts to evaluate Virginia Henderson’s theory of nursing with respect to the
generally accepted crieteria of simplicity, generality, empirical precision and derivable
consequences, one must understand that she did not intend to develop a definitive nursing
theory. Her concept is descriptive and easy to read. It is defined in common language terms.
Her definitions of nursing and enumeration of the 14 basic nursing functions presents a
perspective aimed at explaining a totality of nursing behaviour. Because she had no intension
of developing a theory, Henderson does not develop the interrelated theoretical statements or
operational definitions necessary to provide the theory testability. However, that can be done.
 Henderson’s concept of nursing is complex rather than simplistic. It contains many
variables and several different descriptive and explanatory relationships. It is not
associated with structural organization within a framework or model from to enhance
simplicity, although some work has been done in this area. In addition, the 14 basic
needs appear simple as stated, but they become complex when an alteration of a need
occurs and all the parameters relating to that need are considered.
 Generality is present in Henderson’d definition since it is broad in scope. It attemps to
include the function of all nurses and all patients in various interrelationships and
interdependencies.
  Henderson’s perspective has been useful in promoting new ideas and in furthering
conceptual development of emerging theorists. In her many published works she has
discussed the importance of nursing’s independence from, and interdependence with,
other branches of the health field. She has also influenced curriculum development
and made a great contribution in promoting the importance of research in the clinical
practice of nursing.

Theories can interrelate concepts in such a way as to create a different way of looking at a
particular phenomenon.
 Concepts of fundamental human needs, biophysiology, culture, and interaction,
communication and is borrowed from other discipline. E.g.. Maslow’s Hierarchy of human
needs; concept of interaction-communication i.e. nurse-patient relationship
 Theories must be logical in nature.
 Her definition and components are logical and the 14 components are a guide for the
individual and nurse in reaching the chosen goal.
 Theories should be relatively simple yet generalizable.
 Her work can be applied to the health of individuals of all ages.
 Theories can be the bases for hypotheses that can be tested. Her definition of nursing
cannot be viewed as theory; therefore, it is impossible to generate testable hypotheses.
 However some questions to investigate the definition of nursing and the 14
components may be useful.
 Theories contribute to and assist in increasing the general body of knowledge within
the discipline through the research implemented to validate them.
 Her ideas of nursing practice are well accepted throughout the world as a basis for
nursing care.
 However, the impact of the definition and components has not been established
through research.
 Theories can be utilized by practitioners to guide and improve their practice.
 Ideally the nurse would improve nursing practice by using her definition and 14
components to improve the health of individuals and thus reduce illness.
 Theories

HENDERSON’S THEORY AND NURSING METAPARADIGM-

The major concepts of Virginia henderson’s need theory relate to the metaparadigm (i.e.,
nursing, health, patient, environment.)
PERSON-

*Individual person or client is a whole, complete, independent being with biological,

sociological, and spiritual components.
* With 14 fundamental of basic human needs
* Mind and body are inseparable
* Patient will require assistance to achieve health and independence or peaceful death
* Patient and family as a unit

The 14 components or the basic human needs of Henderson’s concept are-

1. Breaths normally.
1. Eats and drinks adequately.

2. Eliminates body wastes.

3. Moves and maintains desirable position.

4. Sleeps and rests.

5. Selects suitable cloths-dresses and undresses.

6. Maintains the body temperature within normal range by adjusting clothing and
modifying the environment.
 7. Keeps the body clean and well groomed and protects the integuments.

8. Avoids dangers in the environment and avoids injuring others.

9. Communicates with others in expressing emotions, needs, fears and opinions.

10. Worships according to one’s faith.

11. Works in such a way that there is a sense of achievement.

12. Plays or participates in various forms of recreation.

13. Learns, discovers or satisfies the curiosity that leads to normal development and
health and uses the available health facilities.

HEALTH-

 Individuals will achieve or maintain health if they have the necessary strength, will or
knowledge (concept of independence)
 “ The quality of health rather than life itself, that margin of mental physical vigor that
allows a person to work most effectively and to reach his highest potential level of
satisfaction in life.”
 Basic to human functioning
 Promotion of health is more important than care of the sick.

NURSING-

Henderson’s need theory emphasizes the importance of patient independence so that the
patient will continue to progress after being released from the hospital. Henderson described
the role of nurse as one of the following:
Substitutive, which is doing something for the patient.

Supplementary, which is helping the patient do something.

or Complementary, which is working with the patient to do something. All of these roles are
to help the patient become as independent as possible.
Henderson believed that-

“The unique function of the nurse is to assist the individual, sick or well, in the performance
of those activities contributing to health or its recovery (or to a peaceful death) that the
person would perform unaided given the necessary strength, will or knowledge, and to do this
in such a way as to help the individual gain independence as rapidly as possible”.

She categorized nursing activities into fourteen components based on human needs.

While a nurse's job is to care for patients, it is also to help patients be able to care for
themselves when they leave the healthcare facility. This will help ensure that the patient has
fewer setbacks during recovery from the illness or injury, and will help the transition into
self-care be smoother since a nurse will be helping and supervising along the way until the
patient goes home. For those nurses who work in rehabilitation, Henderson's theory is one
that can be easily used every day, and it will be the patients who benefit from it.

Overall, Henderson expressed the view that the nurses role is to follow and assist with the
medical plan of care outlined by a physician and also to assume the leadership role of
planning and providing nursing care. Nurses are independent practitioners for providing
appropriate nursing care, however they should not independently diagnose an ailment,
prescribe medical treatment, or formulate a prognosis. The method by which the nurse
facilitates optimal independence for a patient varies from patient to patient and is based on
the nurses personal judgement. Empathy coupled with knowledge and interest on the part of
the nurses will enhance the healing process. The overall goal of the nursing should be the
promotion of as much independence as possible for the patient with regards to Henderson’s
14 points.

The nurse is an independent practitioner with expertise in aiding the patient to become as
independent as possible in life activities. Patient independent is accomplished through
appropriate medical interventions that are supported by the nurse and also by excellent basic
nursing care that is formulated and carried out by the nurse autonomously. The nurse attends
to the holistic needs of the patient through the educated and emphatic attention to the 14
needs outlined by Henderson. The nurse is an independent authority on excellent basic
nursing care and also a vital aide to other practitioners in the field of healthcare.
ENVIRONMENT-

 Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, 1961: the aggregate of all external conditions
and influences affecting the life and development of an organism.
 7 essentials in the environment: light, temperature, air movement, atmospheric
pressure, appropriate disposal of waste, minimal quantities of injurious chemicals, and
cleanliness of surfaces and furnishings in contact with the individual.
 Illness may interfere with the ability to control the environment.
 Nurses function is to alter the environment in such a way as to support the patient.

APPLICATION OF HENDERSON’S THEORY IN PRACICE, EDIUCATION AND

RESEARCH-

The nurse who sees herself as reinforcing the patient when he lacks will, knowledge, or
strength will make an effort to know him, understand him, “get inside his skin,” . This
process of putting oneself in another’s place is always difficult and only relatively successful.
It requires a listening ear and constant observation and interpretation of nonverbal behaviour.
It also demands, of the nurse self-understanding and the recognition of emotions that block
her concentration on the patient’s need and helpful responses to those needs. It calls for a
willingness so that a mutual understanding may develop between a nurse and a patient.

The rehabilitation of all patients in the hands of the nurse begins with her first service to
him. With this point of view, and if she has a wide range of competence, the nurse can be the
prime rehabilitative agent. Such a nurse judges her success with each patient according to the
speed with which or the degree to which he performs independently the activities that make,
for him, a normal day. This primary function of the practicing nurse must be performed in
such a way that it promotes the physician’s therapeutic plan. The means helping the patient
carry out prescribed therapeutic treatments or administering the treatment herself.

Virginia Henderson

In Practice:
 Assist nurses to describe, explain, and predict everyday experiences.
 Serve to guide assessment, interventions, and evaluation of nursing care.
 Provide a rationale for collecting reliable and valid data about the health status of
clients, which are essential for effectiv e decision making and implementation.
 Help to describe criteria to measure the quality of nursing care.
 Help build a common nursing terminology to use in communicating with other health
professionals.
 Ideas are developed and words are defined.
 Enhance autonomy (independence and self-governance) of nursing through defining
its own independent functions.
In Education:
 Provide a general focus for curriculum design
 Guide curricular decision making.

In Research:
 Offer a framework for generating knowledge and new ideas.
 Assist in discovering knowledge gaps in the specific field of study.
 Offer a systematic approach to identify questions for study; select variables, interpret
findings, and validate nursing interventions.
 Approaches to developing nursing theory
 Borrowing conceptual frameworks from other disciplines.
 Inductively looking at nursing practice to discover theories/concepts to explain
phenomena.
 Deductively looking for the compatibility of a general nursing theory with nursing
practice.
 Questions from practicing Nurse about using Nursing theory

VIRGINIA HENDERSONS THEORY AND THE NSG PROCESS.

Summarization of the stages of the nursing process as applied to Henderson’s definition

of nursing and to the 14 components of basic nursing care.

Nursing Process Henderson’s 14 components and definition of nursing

Nursing Henderson’s 14 components
Assessment
Nursing Diagnosis Analysis: Compare data to knowledge base of health and disease.
Nursing plan Identify individual’s ability to meet own needs with or without
assistance, taking into consideration strength, will or knowledge.
Nursing Document how the nurse can assist the individual, sick or well.
implementation
Nursing Assist the sick or well individual in to performance of activities in
implementation meeting human needs to maintain health, recover from illness, or to
aid in peaceful death.
Nursing process Implementation based on the physiological principles, age, cultural
background, emotional balance, and physical and intellectual
capacities.
Carry out treatment prescribed by the physician.
Nursing evaluation Henderson’s 14 components and definition of nursing

Use the acceptable definition of ;nursing and appropriate laws

 related to the practice of nursing.

The quality of care is drastically affected by the preparation and

native ability of the nursing personnel rather that the amount of
hours of care.

Successful outcomes of nursing care are based on the speed with

which or degree to which the patient performs independently the
activities of daily living

USEFULNESS:

 nursing education has been deeply affected by Henderson’s clear vision of the
functions of nurses.

 The principles of Henderson’s theory were published in the major nursing textbooks
used from 1930’s through the 1960’s, and the principles embodied by the 14 activities
are still important in evaluating nursing care in the 21st centuary.

 Others concepts that Henderson(1966) proposed have been used in nursing education
from the 1930’s until the present.

TESTABILITY:

 Henderson supported nursing research, but believed that it should be clinical research.
Much of the research before her time had been on educational processes and on the
profession of nursing itself, rather than on; the practice and outcomes of nursing, and
she worked to change trhat.

 Each of the 14 activities can be the basis for research. Although the statements are not

 Written in testable terms, they may be reformulated into researchable questions.

Further, the theory can guide research in any aspect of the individual’s care needs.

LIMITATIONS:

 Lack of conceptual linkage between physiological and other human characteristics.

 No concept of the holistic nature of human being.

 If the assumption is made that the 14 components prioritized, the relationship among
the components is unclear.

 Lacks inter-relate of factors and the influence of nursing care.

 Assisting the individual in the dying process she contends that the nurse helps, but
there is little explanation of what the nurse does.
  “Peaceful death” is curious and significant nursing role.

SUMMARY:

Henderson provides the essence of what she believes is a definition of nursing. She dint
intend to develop a theory of nursing but rather she attempted to define the unique focus of
nursing. Her emphasis on basis human needs as a central focus of nursing practice has led to
further theory development regarding the needs of the person and how nursing can assist in
meeting those needs. Her definition of nursing and the 14 components of basic nursing care
are uncomplicated and self- explanatory.

REFERANCES:

 Julia B. George, Nursing theories, the basic for professional nursing practice, 6th
edition, Pearson education, Page No. -87 -107

 Shebeer. P. Basheer, A concise textbook of Advanced Nursing Practice, 1st edition,

EMMESS publication, Page No – 344 -382

 Kozier & Erb’s. Fundamental of Nursing. 8th edition. Pearson education; New Delhi.
page no 45,46