This module introduces the work of three important 20th century nursing theorists: Virginia Henderson,
Hildegard Peplau, and Dorothea Orem. Peplau discusses the importance of the nurse patient relationship in
the different phases of nursing care. Henderson help shape the definition of nursing, and we will explore how
the definition has changed over time. Lastly, we will explore Orem’s theory of self-care deficits and apply our
knowledge to a case study. This module summarizes each of these early scholars and their conceptualization
of nursing and the nurse-patient relationship. Their work situated the focus of nursing from performance of
tasks to engagement in a therapeutic relationship designed to facilitate health and healing.
Discussion Question:
Henderson believed nurses have the responsibility to assess the needs of the individual patient, help
individuals meet their health needs, and provide an environment in which the individual can perform activities
unaided. What is an opportunity in your nursing practice that would benefit from application of Henderson’s
theory? How does this align with the ANA’s definition of nursing? Provide at least one evidenced-based
research article to support this recommendation.