Virginia henderson biography nurse theorist

Learn about the Nursing Need theory of nurse theorist Virginia Henderson in this nursing theories guide! Get to know also Henderson&#;s biography, career, and works that helped shape nursing.

The second section will explain the major concepts, the nursing metaparadigm, subconcepts, components, and assumptions of Henderson&#;s Nursing Need theory.

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Biography of Virginia Henderson

Virginia Avenel Henderson (November 30, &#; March 19, ) was a nurse, theorist, and author known for her Need Theory and defining nursing as: &#;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.&#; Henderson is also known as &#;The First Lady of Nursing,&#; &#;The Nightingale of Modern Nursing,&#; &#;Modern-Day Mother of Nursing,&#; and &#;The 20th Century Florence Nightingale.