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CHAP TER

Nola J. Pender
1941 to present

Health Promotion Model

Teresa J. Sakraida

“Middle range theories that have been tested in research provide evidence for
evidence-based practice, thus facilitating translation of research into practice”
(Pender, personal communication, April 2008).

Pender was born August 16, 1941, in Lansing,
Credentials and Background Michigan. She was the only child of parents who ad-
of the Theorist vocated education for women. Family encouragement
Nola J. Pender’s first encounter with professional to become a registered nurse led her to the School
nursing occurred at 7 years of age, when she observed of Nursing at West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park,
the nursing care given to her hospitalized aunt. “The Illinois. This school was chosen for its ties with
experience of watching the nurses caring for my aunt Wheaton College and its strong Christian foundation.
in her illness created in me a fascination with the She received her nursing diploma in 1962 and began
work of nursing,” noted Pender (Pender, personal working on a medical-surgical unit and subsequently
communication, May 6, 2004). This experience and in a pediatric unit in a Michigan hospital (Pender,
her subsequent education instilled in her a desire to personal communication, May 6, 2004).
care for others and influenced her belief that the goal In 1964, Pender completed her baccalaureate in
of nursing was to help people care for themselves. nursing at Michigan State University. She credits
Pender contributes to nursing knowledge of health Helen Penhale, assistant to the dean, who streamlined
promotion through her research, teaching, presenta- her program for fostering her options for further edu-
tions, and writings. cation. As was common in the 1960s, Pender changed

Previous author: Lucy Anne Tillett. The author wishes to express appreciation to Nola J. Pender for reviewing the chapter.

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