Virginia Henderson's Nursing Needs Theory is based on the idea that nursing is the unique function of helping individuals, either sick or well, in the performance of those activities that contribute to health or its recovery (or to a peaceful death) that the individual would perform unaided if they had the necessary strength, will or knowledge to do so. It is important to note that Henderson's theory is based on the individual's needs, rather than on the tasks or activities that nurses perform.
Assumptions of Henderson's Theory
- The individual is the centre of nursing care and is viewed as a whole person.
- The nurse's role is to assist the individual in activities essential to health and well-being that the individual would perform if they had the knowledge, strength or will to do so.
- The individual's needs are constantly changing and the nurse must be able to adapt their care to meet these changing needs.
- Nursing care is a collaborative process between the nurse, the individual and the other members of the health care team.
Henderson's 14 Basic Needs
Henderson's theory is based on the idea that individuals have 14 basic needs that are essential to health and well-being. These needs are:
1. Need to breathe
2. Need to eat and drink
3. Need to eliminate body wastes
4. Need to move and maintain a desirable posture
5. Need to sleep and rest
6. Need to dress and undress
7. Need to maintain body temperature within normal range
8. Need to be clean, well-groomed, and protected
9. Need to avoid dangers
10. Need to communicate
11. Need to worship (to be true to one's religion)
12. Need to work
13. Need to play and to engage in leisure activities
14. Need to learn
Implications for Nursing Practice
Henderson's theory has a number of implications for nursing practice. These include:
- The nurse must assess the individual's needs in order to develop a plan of care.
- The nurse must provide care that is tailored to meet the individual's needs.
- The nurse must respect the individual's right to make decisions about their own care.
- The nurse must collaborate with the individual and the other members of the health care team to provide comprehensive care.
Henderson's theory is a widely used and respected nursing theory. It has been used to guide nursing practice, education, and research for over 50 years.
