1. Virginia Henderson, RN, MSN Nursing Theorist
Susan Felicia, RN

2. Background Well known author, theorist and nurse educator
Born in Kansas City, Missouri on November 30, 1897; Died March 19, 1996
1937 – with others, created nursing curriculum for the National League of Nursing
“patient centered and organized around nursing problems rather than medical diagnoses” (Henderson, 1991, p.19)

3. Definition of Nursing
Henderson is famous for a definition of nursing: "The unique function of the nurse is to assist the individual, sick or well, in the performance of those activities contributing to health or its recovery (or to peaceful death) that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength, will or knowledge" (Wills, 2007,p.139)

4. Henderson’s 14 Activities for Client Assistance(Henderson,1991,p
Breathe normally
Eat and drink adequately
Eliminate body waste
Move and maintain desirable posture
Sleep and rest
Suitable clothes – dress and undress
Maintain body temperature
Keep the body clean and well groomed
Avoid dangers in the environment
Express emotions, fears, needs and opinions
Worship one’s faith
Work for client’s sense of accomplishment
Participate in recreation
Learn, satisfy, discover

5. Concepts Metaparadigm
Nursing, health, patient and environment
Educated under a medical model transformed into a nursing model
Empirical vs. Esthetic Pattern of Knowing
Art, Science and Teaching – cannot be divided and examined separately
“living and an appreciation for human life are the sine qua non of the modem nurse” (Halloran, 1996,p.20)

6. Nursing Theory
Inuit means 'human beings' - phrase without bias associated related to race, nationality or sex (Halloran, 1996,p.18)
Goal of nursing is to help people be free of nursing care as soon as possible returning the patient to a state of independence or the baseline of autonomy at the onset of his/her illness

7. References
Halloran, E.. Journal of Advanced Nursing. Virginia henderson and her timeless writings.23.(1996, p.17-24). Henderson, V. A.The Nature of Nursing Reflections after Twenty Five Years. New York. National League for Press. McEwen, M., Wills, E. Theoretical Basis for Nursing. Wills, E. Grand nursing theories based on human needs. Philadelphia. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.