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 client’s 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 one’s 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 don’t 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 ADL’s ,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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