Henderson Theory
Henderson Theory
Discussion Question:
Henderson believed nurses have the responsibility to assess the needs of the individual patient, help individuals meet their health needs, and provide an environment in which the individual can perform activities unaided. What is an opportunity in your nursing practice that would benefit from application of Henderson’s theory? How does this align with the ANA’s definition of nursing?
Provide at least one evidenced-based research article to support this recommendation.
Your initial posting should be at least 400 words in length and utilize at least one scholarly source other than the textbook.
Application of Henderson’s Theory in Nursing Practice
Virginia Henderson’s nursing theory emphasizes the importance of assessing individual patient needs and creating an environment conducive to their independence in performing activities of daily living. One opportunity in my nursing practice where Henderson’s theory could be applied is in the care of elderly patients in a rehabilitation unit. Many of these patients face challenges in performing daily activities due to physical limitations, cognitive impairments, or recovery from surgery. By applying Henderson’s principles, I can tailor my nursing interventions to focus on promoting independence and self-care among these patients.
Henderson’s theory aligns well with the American Nurses Association (ANA) definition of nursing, which describes nursing as the protection, promotion, and optimization of health, as well as the prevention of illness and injury. According to the ANA, nurses play a crucial role in advocating for the patient’s needs, facilitating their recovery, and supporting their ability to maintain independence. In the context of elderly rehabilitation patients, nurses can assess each individual’s specific health needs, identify barriers to independence, and implement care strategies that empower them to regain their functional abilities.
(Henderson Theory)
For example, I can utilize Henderson’s framework by conducting thorough assessments that identify the specific activities patients struggle with, whether it be bathing, dressing, or mobility. Based on this assessment, I can create individualized care plans that include exercises, adaptive equipment, and education on techniques that enhance their capabilities. The goal would be to help patients transition from dependence on nursing staff to performing these tasks independently, thus improving their quality of life.
Evidence supports the application of Henderson’s theory in rehabilitation settings. A study by Bäuml et al. (2020) emphasizes the importance of individualized nursing interventions in enhancing the independence and quality of life for elderly patients undergoing rehabilitation. The authors highlight that patient-centered care approaches, which align closely with Henderson’s principles, lead to improved patient outcomes, satisfaction, and self-efficacy.
Integrating Henderson’s theory into nursing practice for elderly rehabilitation patients not only aligns with the ANA’s definition of nursing but also enhances patient care by promoting independence and self-sufficiency. Implementing tailored interventions that address the unique needs of each patient can lead to significant improvements in their recovery journey.
References
Bäuml, J., Hübner, U., & Klose, K. (2020). Individualized nursing care in rehabilitation: Evidence for the effect of patient-centered interventions. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 52(3), 305-312. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12500
American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice (3rd ed.). https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/scope-and-standards/
