Virginia Henderson's Caring Theory

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Although the act of nursing can be traced to ancient times, nursing as a profession is typically associated with the work done by the philanthropist Florence Nightingale in the mid-19th century. Her most notable achievements are the delivery of nursing services to British soldiers in the Crimean War in 1854 and later establishing nursing training programs in British hospitals. Through her dedication to caring for the ill and pioneering spirit, she was able to break down the perceptions of nursing as menial work and replaced it as a professional vocation.
The philosophies and theories of nursing are key to understanding the morals, ethics, beliefs, and standards that are embedded the nursing profession. All professional nurses should reflect
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These concepts establish the goals for the individual and drives the action of the nurse to improve the health of the individual and reduce or eliminate illness. While her philosophy addresses the function of nursing, it doesn’t specify the value of caring.
A Personal View of
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When one is behaving in a caring way and has a caring attitude, they are being compassionate. Caring or compassion is a basic human need that is an unwritten fundamental in Henderson’s basic needs of man. When one fulfills Henderson’s basic needs of man they exemplify the nature of caring.
Social Purpose of Nursing
Many people in our society have said that nurses are simply assistants to doctors. That statement in some ways can be true but nurses are so much more. While a doctor comes into a room and sees the physical problem and symptoms and then diagnosis these problems, nurses continue giving care past that time by providing care for a person’s needs and comforts. Nurses seek to aid the patient’s goal of wellbeing and a balanced state of mind.
Conclusion
A professional nurse should be well aware of their own nursing philosophy as well as those of others. Knowing the nursing metaparadigm, nature of nursing, nature of caring, and the social purpose of nursing establishes knowledge and demands conviction. Understanding these concepts provides a framework for ethical, professional, and compassionate care. When presented with the opportunity, every nurse can rely on their own personal philosophy for guidance, as well as the philosophies of

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