Virginia Henderson's
Theory of Nursing
Virginia Henderson's Theory of Nursing, often referred to as the "Definition of
Nursing," is a foundational framework that has significantly influenced nursing
practice and education. Born out of Henderson's extensive clinical experience and
observations, her theory provides a comprehensive understanding of the nurse's role
and the essence of nursing care. In essence, Henderson viewed nursing as the means
by which individuals achieve independence in meeting their basic physiological,
psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual needs.
At the heart of Henderson's theory is the belief that the ultimate goal of nursing is to
assist individuals in achieving or maintaining health and independence in performing
activities of daily living. She identified fourteen basic human needs that serve as the
focus of nursing care, ranging from the physiological need for oxygenation and
nutrition to the psycho-social need for communication and self-expression.
Henderson emphasized the importance of holistic care that addresses the physical,
emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of human existence.
One of the key principles of Henderson's theory is the concept of "assisting the
individual." She believed that nursing is fundamentally an interpersonal process that
involves providing support, guidance, and encouragement to individuals as they
Theory of Nursing
Virginia Henderson's Theory of Nursing, often referred to as the "Definition of
Nursing," is a foundational framework that has significantly influenced nursing
practice and education. Born out of Henderson's extensive clinical experience and
observations, her theory provides a comprehensive understanding of the nurse's role
and the essence of nursing care. In essence, Henderson viewed nursing as the means
by which individuals achieve independence in meeting their basic physiological,
psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual needs.
At the heart of Henderson's theory is the belief that the ultimate goal of nursing is to
assist individuals in achieving or maintaining health and independence in performing
activities of daily living. She identified fourteen basic human needs that serve as the
focus of nursing care, ranging from the physiological need for oxygenation and
nutrition to the psycho-social need for communication and self-expression.
Henderson emphasized the importance of holistic care that addresses the physical,
emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of human existence.
One of the key principles of Henderson's theory is the concept of "assisting the
individual." She believed that nursing is fundamentally an interpersonal process that
involves providing support, guidance, and encouragement to individuals as they
