Nursing Need Theory (Henderson)

• The unique function of the nurse is to assist the individual, sick or well, in the performance of those activities contributing to health or its recovery (or to peaceful death) that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength, will, or knowledge; and to do this in such a way as to help him gain independence as rapidly as possible
• The ability to perform independently is a basic need for humans.
• The environment, as defined by Webster, is the aggregate of the external conditions and influences affecting the life and development of an organism.
• The 14 fundamental needs of humans include breathing normally, eating and drinking adequately, eliminating body wastes, moving and maintaining desirable postures, sleeping and resting, selecting suitable clothes, keeping the body clean and well-groomed, protecting the integument, maintaining body temperature, avoiding dangers in the environment and avoiding injuring others, communicating with others, and meeting the basic 14 needs of humans.
• The unique function of the nurse is to assist the individual, sick or well, in the performance of activities contributing to health or its recovery.
• Health is basic to human functioning and the promotion of health is more important than care of the sick.
• Lunally S Payba developed a theory on the nurse-patient relationship, stating that nurses can serve in three different roles: as a substitute for the patient, as a helper to the patient, and as a partner with the patient.