Who proposed that nursing assists individuals in gaining independence for health-related activities?

Virginia Henderson is recognized for her contribution to the nursing profession through her definition of nursing and her emphasis on the nurse's role in assisting individuals in achieving independence in health-related activities. Her work highlighted the importance of helping patients meet their basic needs and supported the idea that nursing is focused on the patient as an independent individual who requires assistance to regain or maintain their health. Henderson's famous definition of nursing as "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 that he would perform unaided if he had the strength, will, or knowledge" reinforces this perspective.

Her framework emphasizes not just the technical aspects of nursing but also the relational and holistic approach, where the nurse empowers patients to take charge of their health. This aligns with contemporary nursing practice, which focuses on promoting self-care, patient education, and fostering autonomy in health management.

The other theorists, while significant in their contributions to nursing theory, focus on different aspects of nursing practice. For instance, Betty Neuman's model emphasizes the importance of holistic care and the prevention of stressors, Jean Watson's theory centers around the caring relationship between nurses and patients, and Imogene King's theory pertains to goal-setting