by Lisa Chiplaskey

Created on: July 08, 2008

CLINICAL APPLICATION OF HENDERSON'S MODEL OF BASIC NEEDS: CONCEPT OF MOBILITY

This paper examines the Henderson Basic Needs Model and demonstrates the relationship of the 14 components to mobility. An author perceived Mobility Model, based on Henderson's model, is introduced. This model involves physiologic and psychologic components. Both physiologic and psychologic areas encompass two subcomponents. The subcomponents represented are external and internal levels. The Mobility Model presents a more succinct manner of initiation of care than can be completed with the Henderson Model. The model is then investigated in relevance to nursing practice. The Mobility Model is explored and its validity is tested by the application of the model to a clinical case. The clinical case is reported in relation to its impact on the patient, on nursing students assigned to the patients care, and on the nursing instructor.

I. INTRODUCTION

Nursing is one of the youngest professions but one of the oldest arts. Its hallmark is caring more than curing (Timby). Henderson's Basic Needs Model offers 14 components in providing nursing care, which is holistically focused. In examining these components, this author perceives an overwhelming theme, mobility, which expounds upon all areas of the Henderson model. The Mobility Model, as perceived by this author, creates a comprehensible, concise method in providing care of an individual. The Mobility Model encompasses two components, which are: physiologic and psychologic aspects of care. Each component is separated into two subcomponents: external level and internal level. The Mobility Model shall be shown to be valid by examining its application to a presented clinical case.

II.VIRGINIA HENDERSON'S DEFINITION OF NURSING

Virginia Henderson has been described by many as "the 20th century Florence

Nightingale" (ICIRN). She created a modern worldwide definition of nursing (Lindberg) that has withstood the test of time. In this definition, Henderson states that, "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 a 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." She called it a
definition of nursing, and viewed her work as a philosophical statement, rather than a theory because it was published before the

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