Nursing theorists are scholars who have developed theories and models to explain and guide nursing practice. Their work has had a significant impact on the development of nursing as a profession and has helped to shape the way nurses think about and provide care to patients. In this guide, we will provide an overview of some of the most influential nursing theorists and their contributions to the field.

Florence Nightingale:

• Florence Nightingale is often referred to as the founder of modern nursing. She established the first professional nursing school in London in 1860 and played a significant role in improving the standard of care for patients in hospitals. Nightingale’s theory of nursing emphasized the importance of creating a clean and sanitary environment for patients to promote healing and prevent disease. She also believed that nurses should work to meet the psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs of their patients.

Virginia Henderson:

• Virginia Henderson is known for her definition of nursing, which 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.” Henderson’s theory emphasized the importance of helping patients achieve independence and self-care.

Dorothea Orem:

• Dorothea Orem’s self-care deficit theory of nursing states that individuals have a natural desire to care for themselves and that when they are unable to do so, they require assistance from others. Orem’s theory emphasizes the importance of identifying patients’ self-care deficits and providing them with the necessary support to achieve optimal health.

Jean Watson:

• Jean Watson’s theory of caring is based on the belief that nursing is more than just a profession, it is a relationship. Watson’s theory emphasizes the importance of creating a caring environment for patients and providing them with emotional and spiritual support as well as physical care.

Betty Neuman:

• Betty Neuman’s systems model of nursing emphasizes the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of physical, psychological, social, and environmental factors that impact a patient’s health. Neuman’s theory emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing potential stressors that can negatively impact a patient’s health.

These are just a few of known nursing theorists.