03/24/2026
For Women’s History Month, we’re recognizing Faye Glenn Abdellah, a nursing leader and theorist whose work transformed patient-centered care and modern nursing practice.
A pioneer in nursing research and education, Abdellah developed the 21 Nursing Problems theory, which shifted focus from tasks to the holistic needs of patients. Her work emphasized viewing patients as individuals with physical, emotional, and social needs, an approach that continues to shape how nurses deliver care today.
Beyond theory, Abdellah broke barriers as one of the first women to hold high-ranking leadership roles in the U.S. Public Health Service, advocating for evidence-based practice and advancing the professional status of nursing.
Her legacy lives on through the emphasis on critical thinking, compassion, and patient-centered care that remains foundational in nursing education today.