Henderson´s Nursing Needs Theory

Nursing is a dynamic and ever changing field. Information comes almost on a daily basis. Several theories are in place in nursing, and no one theory is right for all patients. Many theories are used all at once and in various conditions. Focusing on a nursing theory is important to hospitals, especially if they want to have recognition in Magnet status. Victoria Henderson’s needs theory is once such theory that is still in practice today at many hospitals.

Victoria’s nursing theory is developed on 14 specific points of health that intend to give the patient the knowledge and skills to take care of the self after the need for a nurse is no longer there. Henderson lays out human needs as the following: breathe normally; eat and drink adequately; eliminate body wastes; move and maintain desirable postures; sleep and rest; select suitable clothes; dress and undress; maintain body temperature within a normal range by adjusting clothing and modifying the environment; keep the body clean and well groomed and protect the integument; avoid dangers in the environment and avoid injury others; communicate with others in expressing emotions, needs, fears, or opinions; worship according to one’s faith; work in such a way that there is a sense of accomplishment; play or participate in various forms of recreation; learn, discover, or satisfy the curiosity that leads to normal development and health; use the available heath facilities (Henderson, 1978, p 121). Everyone expresses these health needs at any given time. It is the duty of a caregiver or hospital to provide 24 hour access to help to meet these various needs (Henderson, 1978, p. 113). Henderson’s theory is put into practice often in the field and in specific ways. One example f...

... middle of paper ...

...). Olds’ Maternal-Newborn Nursing and Women’s Health: Across the Lifespan. 9th ed. Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.

Henderson, V. (1978). The concept of nursing. Journal of Advanced Nursing, p. 113-130.

Lothian, J. A. (2011). Lamaze breathing: What every pregnant woman needs to know. Journal of Perinatal Education, 20(2), 118-120.

Ondeck, M., & Focareta, J. (2009). Environmental hazards education for childbirth educators. Journal of Perinatal Education, 18(4), p. 31-40.

Perez, P. (2006) The Nurturing Touch at Birth: A Labor Support Handbook. 2nd ed. Johnson. VT. Cutting Edge Press.

Schaefer, J., Stonecipher, S., and Kane, I. (2012). Finding room for spirituality in healthcare. Nursing 2012, 42(9)

Waller-Wise, Renece. (2013). Utilizing Hendersons Nursing Theory in Childbirth Education . International Journal of Childbirth Education. 2nd ed. Minneapolis. p.30-34.