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Theory-Based Exemplar Paper (TEP): Theory Analysis Assignment
Theories have existed since the time of Florence Nightingale, and the framework of these
theories can be applied to high-quality nursing care to improve patient outcomes. In the early
1960s, nurses realized a need to evaluate theories to determine their validity and apply them to
nursing care (McEwen et al., 2019). The purpose of this assignment is to identify and research
the Henderson Nursing Theory and analyze the theory using the Walker and Avant approach.
Theory Identification
Virginia Henderson was an incredible nurse, author, researcher, and educator laying the
foundation of her nursing theory for all nurses who followed. She spent most of her nursing
career in the medical-surgical field, but also spent time as a visiting nurse (McEwen et al., 2019).
Her inductive grand nursing theory was established during her practice and education with an
assumed concept that patients wanted to return to their independence after nurses had aided in
their healing process (McEwen et al., 2019). She focused on a holistic approach to nursing care
and promoted professional development through continuous education (McEwen et al., 2019).
Approach
The Walker and Avant approach will be utilized to analyze the Henderson Nursing
Theory. Lorraine Walker and Kay Avant developed a multiphase step-by-step approach in the
1980s and updated their process as recently as 2011 to include theory analysis (McEwen et al.,
2019). The Walker and Avant approach uses a practical method to clarify the theory in question
and provide “real-life” examples of how the theory can be applied and adapted (Gunawan et al.,
2023). According to McEwen and Willis (2019), They use a process of questions or tasks to
determine the origin, meaning, usefulness, testability, simplicity, or complexity of the theory;
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they analyze the logical adequacy and determine the degree of generalizability (McEwen et al.,
2019 p.99).
Theory Summary
As previously stated, the Henderson Nursing Theory was established as a foundation for
nurses to assist patients back to their previous state of health and regain independence. Although
it is not clearly defined, the theory was based on the four concepts of the nursing metaparadigm
of patient, health, nursing, and environment. Henderson believed nurses cared for patients in
illness or health and helped them to be self-sufficient. She believed in maintaining a healthy
environment and a balanced human life (McEwen et al., 2019). Henderson indicated in her
theory that the nurse should participate in fourteen activities to help patients return to self-
sufficiency. The fourteen activities listed by McEwen & Ellis in Box 7-1 are as follows:
1. Breathe normally.
2. Eat and drink adequately.
3. Eliminate body wastes.
4. Move and maintain desirable postures.
5. Sleep and rest.
6. Select suitable clothes-dress and undress.
7. Maintain body temperature within normal range by adjusting clothing and modifying
environment.
8. Keep the body clean and well groomed and protect the integument.
9. Avoid dangers in the environment and avoid injuring others.
10. Communicate with others in expressing emotions, needs, fears, or opinions.
11. Worship according to one’s faith.
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12. Work in such a way that there is a sense of accomplishment.
13. Play or participate in various forms of recreation.
14. Learn, discover, or satisfy the curiosity that leads to normal development and health
and use the available health facilities (McEwen et al., 2019 p.137)
These activities are the foundation of nursing care and meeting basic patient needs. Henderson
focused her theory on clinical research and improving patient outcomes. Her concept of nursing
is still being used nationally and internationally to enhance nursing care plans and the scientific
research of nursing (McEwen et al., 2019).
Critique
The origin of the theory indicates that Virginia Henderson dedicated her life to the
nursing world through research, education, writing, and her nursing practice to develop a grand
theory that was inductive and foundational for the nursing profession (McEwen et al., 2019). The
meaning of the Henderson nursing theory is defined as the fourteen concepts listed above which
are used to help assist patients back to their original state of well-being and independence. These
concepts were based on the four aspects of the nursing metaparadigm (McEwen et al., 2019).
The logical adequacy is that this theory has improved nursing science, research, education, and
care plans to promote positive patient outcomes. The nurse can use the fourteen concepts to
provide optimal care to meet patient needs (McEwen et al., 2019).
The theory’s usefulness is still relevant in today’s nursing profession at a national and
international level. It is used in educational settings and textbooks (McEwen et al, 2019). The
theory can be viewed as generalized and specific because the fourteen concepts are listed
specifically, but each statement could be interpreted differently by each nurse (McEwen et al.,
2019). The simplicity of the theory can be seen in the list of concepts but the nursing scope of
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practice in the theory is complex. Henderson stated nurses should use their knowledge and
education to teach patients the importance of self-sufficiency with the assumption that patients
want to return to their previous state of health (McEwen et al., 2019). The testability of the
theory could use the fourteen concepts as clinical research to improve nursing science (McEwen
et al., 2019).
Conclusion
Using the Walker and Avant approach to analyze the Henderson Nursing Theory
provided an understanding of how the theoretical concepts can improve nursing practice and
promote positive patient outcomes. The Henderson Nursing Theory can be used as foundational
practice for nurses everywhere by providing basic patient needs and promoting self-sufficiency.
As Christian nurses, it is our duty to provide our patients with optimal care and align our nursing
practice with Biblical principles. We must show compassion to our patients just as the Lord has
compassion with us. The Bible states in Lamentations 3:22 “Because of the Lord’s great love we
are not consumed, for his compassions never fail” (NIV, 2015).
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References
Gunawan, J., Aungsuroch, Y., & Marzilli, C. (2023). Beyond the classics: A comprehensive look
at concept analysis methods in nursing education and research.Belitung nursing
journal,H9(5), 406–410. https://doi.org/10.33546/bnj.2544
The Holy Bible, New International Version. (2015).
BibleGateway.HHhttps://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-Living-Translation-NLT-
Bible. (Original work published 1996)
McEwen, M., & Wills, E. (2019). Theoretical basis for nursing (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer
Health.
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