Virginia Henderson developed the Nursing Needs Theory to define the unique focus of nursing practice. The theory emphasizes the importance of increasing patient independence for faster progress in the hospital. It also highlights basic human needs and how nurses can meet them. Now we have a definition which states that Virginia Henderson developed the Nursing Needs Theory to define the unique focus of nursing practice. The theory focuses on the importance of increasing the patient's independence to hasten their progress in the hospital. Henderson's theory emphasizes the basic human needs and how nurses can meet those needs.