Discussion: Nightingale’s Environmental Theory in Nursing Essay

Nightingale’s environmental theory is highly applicable to trauma medical surgical departments, where patients are admitted with serious open wounds. Healthy nutrition, ventilation, bathing and changing of linen, light control, and low noise levels are important for all patients, although the specific reasons for being in a medical facility may require special attention to certain aspects. For example, trauma patients require special attention to hygiene, and their relatives should follow these tips at home. Other patients who have chronic conditions require a special diet.

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It is interesting that today, some nurses worry excessively about the environment due to the pressure of circumstances, especially the coronavirus pandemic. However, it is worth imagining the year 1853, when Florence Nightingale formed the mentioned advice and the conditions for the patients of that time, the vast majority of whom were soldiers of the War of Independence. Excessive noise, lack of light, unsanitary conditions, banal lack of nutritious food in the diet, lack of fresh air due to lack of ventilation systems – all these created threats to life and health.

To the above, I want to note some social considerations derived by Nightingale. First, she cautioned nurses against creating emotional noise and trying to cheer up the patient or diminish the meaning of the patient’s reason for being in the facility (“Florence Nightingale Environmental Theory,” 2022). Secondly, she encouraged the nurses to share the good news with the patient, which will contribute to the acceleration of recovery. Finally, Nightingale warned that the patient’s bed is their personal space, which they control independently, and warned caregivers not to sit on the bed, lean on it, or touch it for no reason. These tips are simple but critical for patients’ and nurses’ comfort.

Reference

Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory of Nursing explained. (2022). Web