Nursing Theory I

1. Nightingale’s Philosophy

Nightingale’s Environmental Theory

Environmental Theory is the first nursing theorist. “Act of utilizing the environment of the patient to assist him in his recovery” (Nightingale, 1860/1969).

Involves five environmental factors:

• Pure or fresh air
  Ensuring adequate ventilation and fresh air is crucial for health.
• Pure water
  Access to clean, safe drinking water is essential.
• Efficient drainage
  Proper sanitation and waste disposal are necessary to prevent disease.
• Cleanliness
  Maintaining a clean environment, both for the patient and the care area, is vital.
• Light, esp. direct sunlight
  Exposure to light, particularly sunlight, is important for physical and psychological well-being.

She believed that deficiencies in any of these areas could contribute to illness or hinder recovery. Beyond these, Nightingale also emphasized the importance of:

• Keeping the patient warm
• Maintaining a quiet environment
• Ensuring proper dietary intake
• Timeliness of meals

The general concepts of health in Nightingale’s Environmental Theory include ventilation, cleanliness, a quiet environment, and nutrition. Her ideas continue to influence nursing and healthcare practices today, emphasizing the importance of a healing environment in patient care.