Virginia

Henderson (14
basic needs): my
guide as a nurse
learner

Sub to:Prof. Lawrence C.Caranto

Sub by:Shaira C. Comila
BSN-4A

Being a nurse learner is a challenging part of my life.For almost 3 years of

being a nurse learner,I have a lot of challenges in life during those years.With that, i
chose the 14 basic needs of Virginia Henderson as my guide in my chosen
profession. As what she said,"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" (Henderson, 1966).
Virginia Henderson divides her components into two.The main components
which includes the individual,environment,health and nursing.Then the
subcomponents which includes the 14 activities for clients assistance. Breathe
normally, Eat and drink adequately,Eliminate body wastes,Move and maintain
desirable postures,Sleep and rest,Select suitable clothes-dress and undress,Maintain
body temperature within normal range by adjusting clothing and modifying
environment,Keep the body clean and well groomed and protect the
integument,Avoid
dangers
in
the
environment
and
avoid
injuring
others,Communicate with others in expressing emotions, needs, fears, or
opinions,Worship according to ones faith,Work in such a way that there is a sense
of accomplishment,Play or participate in various forms of recreation,Learn, discover,
or satisfy the curiosity that leads to normal development and health and use the
available health facilities.
Relating it to my experiences as a nurse learner, I always think of things that
would make my patient comfortable in a way that I could help them recover easily
to restore the normal function of their body.Before,I dont even know what to do to
help my patient.I always relay on my facilitator and our head nurse alone until I
build my self-esteem and tried to practice practicality since we know that this would
help our patient needs.Aslong as I know they met the 14 needs.At the hospital
setting,we are the once who are with our patients until the end of our shift,we are
the once observing the needs of our patients.With that I know Im helping my patient
by allowing them to eat foods that are suitable for their required diet,helping them
to do ADLs ,giving them ample time to rest and relax,to help them dress their
comfortable clothes and giving them privacy while changing,ensuring their
cleanliness like assisting them to brush their teeth,do spongebath specially for
those patients who needs assistance,ensuring the safety of the patient by using
side rails and other safety measures,encouraging them to verbalize feelings and
concerns and providing them positive thoughts during their stay at the hospital.With
that I can say that atleast in that simple things that I intervene my client is helpful
enough to help them recover and get well and it really helps me a lot in guiding me
as nurse learner.

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