Nursing Theory Nursing Need Theory

Nursing Need Theory Related to Research

Brooke Gaillard

UNA

Advanced Nursing Theory

NU 503

Dr. Michelle Nelson

October 25, 2017 Nursing Need Theory Related to Research The Nursing Need Theory was developed by Virginia Henderson. She believed that the nurse should care for and help the patients as much as they needed until the patients were able to care for themselves independently again. In this grand theory, Henderson thought “the unique function of the nurse is to assist the individual, whether they are sick or well, in activities that contributes to their health or recovery that the individual would do without assistance if they had the strength or knowledge; and do it in the manner for the individual to gain independence as soon as possible”.

(Ahtisham & Jacoline, 2015, para. 3). Henderson came up with fourteen components she believed to be effective in nursing care. These include: “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 clothes-dress and undress. 7) Maintain body temperature within normal range by adjusting clothing and modifying environment. 8) Keep the body clean and well groomed and protect the integument. 9) Avoid dangers in the environment and avoid injuring others. 10) Communicate with others in expressing emotions, needs, fears, or opinions. 11) Worship according to one’s faith. 12) Work in such a way that there is a sense of accomplishment. 13) Play or participate in various forms of recreation. 14) Learn, discover, or satisfy the curiosity that leads to normal development and health and use the available health facilities”. (Ahtisham & Jacoline, 2015, table

Her theory can also be used to obtain reliable data regarding the client’s health conditions, which provides better quality of care to our patients. Henderson’s Need Theory has had a major impact on “nursing research by strengthening the focus on nursing practice and confirming the value of tested interventions in assisting individuals to regain health”. (McEwen & Wills, 2014, p. 139).

References

Ahtisham, Y., & Jacoline, S. (2015). Integrating Nursing Theory and Process into Practice; Virginia’s Henderson Need Theory. International Journal of Caring Sciences, 8, 443. Retrieved from www.internationaljournalofcaringsciences.org/doc/23_ahtisham.pdf

McEwen, M., & Wills, E. M. (2014). Theoretical Basis for Nursing (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health: Lippincott Williams &