FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE:
ENVIRONMENTAL THEORY
Florence Nightingale: Environment
Theory
- “The act of using the environment of
the patient to assist him in his
recovery”
5 Environmental Factors
1. Fresh air
2. Pure water - Efficient drainage
3. Sanitation/cleanliness
4. Light and direct sunlight
Nightingale’s Nursing Theory
● The first published nursing theory
(1860)
● Persons are in relation with the
environment
● Stresses the healing properties of the
physical environment (fresh air, light,
warmth, and cleanliness)
● Nursing puts patients in the “best
conditions” for nature to act upon
them
● Health is “the positive of which the
pathology is the negative”
● “Nature alone cures”
Theory basis: the inter-relationship of a
healthful environment with nursing external
influences and conditions can prevent,
suppress, or contribute to disease or death
Theory goal: Nurses help patients retain
their own vitality by meeting their basic
needs through control of the environment
Nursing’s Focus: control of the
environment for individuals, families & the
community
Components of Environmental Theory:
1. Health of Houses
2. Ventilation and Warming
3. Light
4. Noise
5. Variety
6. Bed and Bedding
7. Cleanliness of Rooms and Walls
8. Personal Cleanliness
9. Nutrition and Taking Food
10. Chattering Hopes and Advices
11. Observation of the Sick
12. Social Considerations
Nightingale’s metaparadigm
Person
● Referred to as “the patient”
● A human being acted upon by a
nurse, or affected by the
environment
● Has reparative powers to deal with
disease
● Recovery is in the patient’s power
as long as a safe environment
exists
Environment
