Introduction
Henderson’s theory in nursing practice is an example of providing services to patients and their families. It focuses on providing services and support to patients in the recovery process. The theory was developed in 1969 and then adapted for nursing practice. It is designed to maintain harmony between the patient and his family, provide professional assistance, and support the patient. The theory is based on six principles, which give nurses direction in providing services to patients.
Principles of Henderson’s Theory
The first principle is that the patient and his family should be put first. The second principle is that the patient and his family should be informed and understand their illness. The third principle is that the patient and his family should be respected, and their rights should be considered.
The fourth principle is based on the fact that the patient should be involved in the decision-making process of any issues related to their treatment. The fifth principle is that the nurse should show care and kindness to the patient (Smith & Parker, 2020). The sixth principle is that the nurse should be professionally trained and use their professional knowledge and skills to provide services to the patient.
Application of Henderson’s Theory to Nursing Practice
Henderson’s theory suggests that nursing practice should be based on the principles of professional responsibility, self-realization, and self-organization. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), nursing is a profession and art of medical care based on scientific data and health philosophy, professional responsibility, and self-organization (Rollins, 2019). Applying Henderson’s theory to nursing practices can bring many advantages.
Firstly, Henderson’s theory helps to form a deep understanding of nursing practice. It gives nurses tools for self-organization, such as setting up rules and procedures to adhere to patient service standards (Smith & Parker, 2020). This helps nurses work more efficiently and professionally, which would lead to a higher level of quality of medical services.
Secondly, the application of Henderson’s theory would help nurses to be more actively involved in the process of making professional decisions. It would also give nurses social and professional support and allow them to exchange knowledge and experience with other medical practitioners. Henderson’s theory can also offer new methods of educating nurses, including project-based learning, practical learning, and interactive learning and assessment methods (Rollins, 2019). This could lead to a higher nursing qualification and help them cope with the most challenging tasks and problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the application of Henderson’s theory to nursing practice aligns with the nursing definition given by ANA, as it strives to provide a more professional, robust, and self-organizing nursing community. Its application will benefit your nursing practice, including professional development and improved quality of medical services.
References
Rollins, G. (2021). Innovating for the future: Forum highlights nurses’ role in reimagining healthcare and nursing practice. American Nurse Journal, 16(11), 38-42.
Smith, M. C., & Parker, M. E. (2020). Nursing theories and nursing practice (5th ed.). FA Davis.