VIRGINIA HENDERSON: THE NEEDS THEORY
I. INTRODUCTION
Virginia Avenel Henderson
➔ Well-known nurse, educator, a theorist and a prolific author.
● She co-wrote “Principles and Practices of Nursing,” with Harmer
➔ She is known as “First Lady of Nursing”
● “The Nightingale of Modern Nursing,”
● “Modern-Day Mother of Nursing,” and “
● The 20th Century Florence Nightingale.
II. BIOGRAPHY OF THE THEORIST
Virginia Henderson (30 November, 1897–19 March, 1996)
● She was born in Kansas City, Missouri.
● In 1918, Henderson entered the Army School of Nursing in Washington, D.C.,
and graduated in 1921.
● In 1922, Henderson began teaching nursing and studied for her bachelor’s
degree and Master of Arts degree in nursing education at Teachers College at
Columbia University.
● In 1960, her pamphlet entitled Basic Principles of Nursing Care was published by
the International Council of Nurses in 1960 and was translated into more than 20
languages.
● In 1991, she received an honorary award in Rome before coming to the National
League for Nursing to accept yet another national award.
III. THEORETICAL ASSUMPTIONS
➔ Henderson’s concept of nursing was derived from her practice and experience
● She didn’t manufacture language to elucidate her theoretical stance
● Used only correct, scholarly english in her writing
I. INTRODUCTION
Virginia Avenel Henderson
➔ Well-known nurse, educator, a theorist and a prolific author.
● She co-wrote “Principles and Practices of Nursing,” with Harmer
➔ She is known as “First Lady of Nursing”
● “The Nightingale of Modern Nursing,”
● “Modern-Day Mother of Nursing,” and “
● The 20th Century Florence Nightingale.
II. BIOGRAPHY OF THE THEORIST
Virginia Henderson (30 November, 1897–19 March, 1996)
● She was born in Kansas City, Missouri.
● In 1918, Henderson entered the Army School of Nursing in Washington, D.C.,
and graduated in 1921.
● In 1922, Henderson began teaching nursing and studied for her bachelor’s
degree and Master of Arts degree in nursing education at Teachers College at
Columbia University.
● In 1960, her pamphlet entitled Basic Principles of Nursing Care was published by
the International Council of Nurses in 1960 and was translated into more than 20
languages.
● In 1991, she received an honorary award in Rome before coming to the National
League for Nursing to accept yet another national award.
III. THEORETICAL ASSUMPTIONS
➔ Henderson’s concept of nursing was derived from her practice and experience
● She didn’t manufacture language to elucidate her theoretical stance
● Used only correct, scholarly english in her writing
