The three important 20th century nursing theorists

        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.