Nursing Theories

Nightingale's Environmental Theorydefinition

Centers on the physical environment—sanitation, air, light, warmth, and cleanliness—as the primary factor in health and recovery. Nature alone cures; the nurse's role is to put the patient in the best condition for nature to act.

in simple words: Clean air, water, drainage, cleanliness, and light help patients heal naturally.

e.g. Published in Notes on Nursing (1859).

Henderson's Nursing Need Theorydefinition

Defines nursing as assisting patients with 14 basic needs to gain independence or have a peaceful death. Focus on patient independence and meeting fundamental human needs such as breathing, eating, and sleeping.

in simple words: Nurses help patients do what they cannot do for themselves until they can do it alone.

Orem's Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theorydefinition

Developed in 1971. A self-care deficit occurs when a person's ability to perform self-care (self-care agency) is not adequate to meet their self-care demands. Nursing becomes necessary when this deficit exists, and the nurse assists the person to regain the ability to perform self-care.

in simple words: People need nursing when they cannot care for themselves.

Roy's Adaptation Modeldefinition

Views the person as an adaptive system coping with environmental stimuli in four adaptive modes. Nursing helps the person adapt to stressors.

in simple words: People adapt to changes; nurses help them adapt better.