Virginia Henderson - Nursing Theorist

Summary

Virginia Henderson, born in 1897, was a pioneering nurse and educator who redefined the role of nursing. After serving in WWI and obtaining her degrees from Columbia University, she introduced her concept of nursing, outlining 14 essential activities for patient care. Henderson's work emphasized three nursing roles: doing for, helping, and working with patients. Her teachings became the cornerstone of modern nursing practice, earning her the title 'Nightingale of Modern Nursing' and numerous accolades, including honorary degrees and a place in the American Nursing Association Hall of Fame.

Takeaways

• 📚 Virginia Henderson was born in 1897 into a family of scholars and educators in Kansas City, Missouri.
• 🏠 In 1901, her family moved to Virginia where she spent her childhood and was educated, including attending a boys' school managed by her grandfather.
• 🎓 Driven by patriotism and admiration for Florence Nightingale, Henderson enrolled in the Army School of Nursing in Washington DC in 1918.
• 🏥 After receiving her nursing diploma, she worked at various hospitals, including caring for wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital during WW1.
• 📈 She pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor's and Master's degree in nursing education from Columbia University, New York City.
• 📖 Henderson revised Bertha Harber's textbook, which was widely adopted in nursing education, and later published her own influential book, 'The Nature of Nursing'.
• 🔍 As a researcher and educator, she redefined the role of a nurse, outlining 14 specific activities essential for providing excellent care.
• 👩‍⚕️ Henderson described three types of nursing roles: doing for the patient, helping the patient, and working with the patient, each with different levels of patient involvement.
• 🏅 Her teachings became the standard for nursing practice, earning her the title 'Nightingale of Modern Nursing', 13 honorary degrees, and induction into the American Nursing Association Hall of Fame.
• 🕊 Virginia Henderson passed away on March 19, 1996, at the age of 98, leaving a lasting legacy that shaped modern nursing.

Q & A

In which year was Virginia Henderson born?

Virginia Henderson was born in 1897.

Why did Virginia Henderson enroll in the Army School of Nursing?

She enrolled due to patriotism and an admiration for figures like Florence Nightingale.

At which hospital did Henderson work after receiving her nursing diploma?

She worked at a variety of hospitals after her diploma from the Army School of Nursing.

What degree did Virginia Henderson receive from Columbia University in 1931?

She received her Bachelors of Science in 1931.

How did Virginia Henderson contribute to nursing education at Columbia University?

She revised Bertha Harbor's textbook, 'Textbook of the Principles and Practice of Nursing,' which was widely adopted by nursing education programs.

What is the title of the book Virginia Henderson published that expressed her concept of nursing?

The title of the book is 'The Nature of Nursing.'

According to Virginia Henderson, how many specific activities does a nurse need to perform to provide excellent care?

A nurse has 14 specific activities that need to be performed to provide excellent care.

What are the three different types of roles a nurse performs according to Henderson?

The three roles are: doing for the patient, helping the patient, and working with the patient.

How did Virginia Henderson's teachings impact the nursing profession?

Her teachings became widely adopted as standard nursing practice and many referred to her as the Nightingale of modern nursing.

What honors did Virginia Henderson receive during her lifetime?

She received 13 honorary degrees, was inducted into the American Nursing Association Hall of Fame, and had a library named after her.

When did Virginia Henderson pass away?

Virginia Henderson died on March 19, 1996.