Running Head: NURSING NEED THEORY 1
Nursing Need Theory
Danielle Parry
University of Texas at Arlington
NURS 5327
October 5, 2019
This study source was downloaded by 100000827506713 from CourseHero.com on 01-19-2022 01:52:08 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/49946814/NURS5327-Module-2-NNT-Danielle-Parrydocx/
, NURSING NEED THEORY 2
The Nursing Need Theory
In 1961 Virginia Henderson developed a nursing theory focusing on the idea of
nurses caring for their patients until the patient could then care for themselves
(Henderson, 1961). This theory became known as the Nursing Need Theory (NNT).
Throughout my time as a nurse I have always found it fascinating to watch a patients
health progression whether they recovered or declined and how that was influenced by
the nurse and her everyday care of the patient. Meaning, if the nurse encouraged the
patient to gradually become more independent vs dependence does this patient have a
higher rate of success and recovery? This idea directly relates to the NNT theory and the
“nurse” concept within that theory. The NNT is a theory based on the over all idea of the
nurse caring and assisting the patient until the patient can care for themselves
(Henderson, 1961). The NNT theory provides the patient with a level of independence
along the way that increases with recovery. The Nursing Need Theory is categorized as a
grand theory, meaning it is the most complex and has the widest scope of
application(Nicely & DeLario, 2011). Virginia Henderson intended the NNT to be this
way so that it could be applied in all areas of nursing (Machado Pinheiro, Espírito Santo,
Pinho Chibante, & Cardoso Pestana , 2016).
Major Theory Concepts
The NNT is focused around four different areas or concepts: nursing, health,
patient, and environment (McEwen & Wills, 2019). These four areas are more of a
spectrum rather than a specific event or person. The concept of nursing includes the
assistance of the sick or healthy in activities to promote their overall health and
education. Health incorporates both recovery and death. The patient is not limited to
This study source was downloaded by 100000827506713 from CourseHero.com on 01-19-2022 01:52:08 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/49946814/NURS5327-Module-2-NNT-Danielle-Parrydocx/
Nursing Need Theory
Danielle Parry
University of Texas at Arlington
NURS 5327
October 5, 2019
This study source was downloaded by 100000827506713 from CourseHero.com on 01-19-2022 01:52:08 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/49946814/NURS5327-Module-2-NNT-Danielle-Parrydocx/
, NURSING NEED THEORY 2
The Nursing Need Theory
In 1961 Virginia Henderson developed a nursing theory focusing on the idea of
nurses caring for their patients until the patient could then care for themselves
(Henderson, 1961). This theory became known as the Nursing Need Theory (NNT).
Throughout my time as a nurse I have always found it fascinating to watch a patients
health progression whether they recovered or declined and how that was influenced by
the nurse and her everyday care of the patient. Meaning, if the nurse encouraged the
patient to gradually become more independent vs dependence does this patient have a
higher rate of success and recovery? This idea directly relates to the NNT theory and the
“nurse” concept within that theory. The NNT is a theory based on the over all idea of the
nurse caring and assisting the patient until the patient can care for themselves
(Henderson, 1961). The NNT theory provides the patient with a level of independence
along the way that increases with recovery. The Nursing Need Theory is categorized as a
grand theory, meaning it is the most complex and has the widest scope of
application(Nicely & DeLario, 2011). Virginia Henderson intended the NNT to be this
way so that it could be applied in all areas of nursing (Machado Pinheiro, Espírito Santo,
Pinho Chibante, & Cardoso Pestana , 2016).
Major Theory Concepts
The NNT is focused around four different areas or concepts: nursing, health,
patient, and environment (McEwen & Wills, 2019). These four areas are more of a
spectrum rather than a specific event or person. The concept of nursing includes the
assistance of the sick or healthy in activities to promote their overall health and
education. Health incorporates both recovery and death. The patient is not limited to
This study source was downloaded by 100000827506713 from CourseHero.com on 01-19-2022 01:52:08 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/49946814/NURS5327-Module-2-NNT-Danielle-Parrydocx/
