The Need Theory: The Application Of Henderson's Theory Of Nursing

Henderson’s theory of nursing is actively described as the “Need Theory”. The purpose is to emphasize the importance of increasing patient’s independence so that progress after hospitalization is enhanced. “Nurse roles as substitutive (doing for the patient), supplementary (helping the patient), and complementary (working with the patient) all contribute to improving patient health or achieve peaceful death” (Ahtisham & Sommer, 2015, p. 444). The Need Theory includes 14 components required for effective nursing care. Each of these components work together to ensure effective patient care. The article reviewed discussed how successfully the application of Henderson’s Need Theory was in clinical practice. A case study was presented that

Virginia Henderson’s work is more than just theories. It has become the foundation for nursing education and research. Henderson’s works included the Nursing Studies Index and the Principles of Practice of Nursing, which is said to be “the most important single professional document of the twentieth century” (Halloran, 1996, p. 17). Her writing, while based on scientific foundations and nursing as an art, focuses on the patient as a human being. She goes beyond stereotypes to treat people as individuals with basic needs.

Halloran (1996) describes Henderson’s qualities as a scientist, a nurse, an artist, and a caring human being (p. 17). He examines her writings and their contributing to the profession of nursing. This article discusses Henderson’s view of patients as a person and how to use their personality traits to modify their care. Halloran (1996) reviews nursing history and education with the introduction of Medicare and Medicaid, and despite changes in health care Henderson’s view of providing care and evaluation of care remained the same. The article details concepts of Henderson’s “principles and practice of nursing” with focus on research, nursing diagnosis, evaluation, and the use of information technology. Halloran (1996) concludes, “Principles and Practice of Nursing was written for a world community” and “only language limits the application of the content to all societies”