What is the significance of Virginia Henderson in the field of nursing?

Virginia Henderson is celebrated in the field of nursing for her pioneering contributions that have had a profound impact on nursing as a profession. Identified as the first truly international nurse and often referred to as the "first lady of nursing," her work transcended geographic boundaries and emphasized the importance of nursing on a global scale. She is best known for developing the definition of nursing that focuses on the individual's needs and the role of nurses in assisting patients to achieve independence in their care.

Her contributions extend to her work in establishing nursing theories that underpin the practice today, particularly her theory of nursing which includes the 14 components of basic nursing care. This framework significantly influenced nursing education and practice worldwide, making her legacy essential to understanding modern nursing's evolution and its global context.

In contrast, the other options reflect specific areas of nursing practice or achievement that are not attributed to Henderson, such as pediatrics or surgical procedures, which do not encompass her broad international impact and theoretical contributions to nursing as a discipline.