1

Nightingale’s Environmental Theory TEP Paper

Student’s Name

Institutional Affiliation

Course

Instructor

Date
 2

Nightingale’s Environmental Theory TEP Paper

Florence Nightingale’s environmental theory of nursing will be focused on in this

paper. The primary analytical evaluation approach for Nightingale’s theory of nursing is

Dudley-Brown[ CITATION McE19 \l 2057 ]. It focuses on seven evaluation considerations

in nursing. They include accuracy, consistency, fruitfulness, simplicity (or complexity),

scope, acceptability and sociocultural utility.

Theory Description and Overview

The environmental theory established by Nightingale is a standard nursing model that

is considered as “abstract in nature, yet descriptive.” It is focused on the environmental

features that are integral in achieving efficient treatment during patient care[ CITATION

Med15 \l 2057 ]. The nursing model identified five major areas that were necessary for the

achievement of a healthy patient environment, which included pure water, pure air, efficient

drainage, light and cleanliness. The environmental theory elaborates that for efficient

treatment of people, there was need of a “hygienic” collaboration with the person himself,

together with all the nurse and environmental factors[ CITATION Raf18 \l 2057 ]. It also

elaborated that most of the health problems faced by patients were not directly related to their

ailment, but to all other environmental factors in which they were exposed to during their

treatment.

Theory Definitions

There are four major concept meta-paradigms associated with Nightingale’s nursing

model or environmental theory, which include the following.

 Human

Nightingale’s theory defines a human as “any person is considered as one of the

elements in the four meta-paradigms in the individual receiving treatment and care.”

 Environment
 3

It is considered as the foundation of patient care, which plays a vital role in

maintaining the wellbeing and health of a person and promoting their recovery. Also, the

environment of a person is dynamic and can change, according to either the patient’s or

nurse’s needs[ CITATION She18 \l 2057 ]. An “environment that promotes wellbeing allows

the person to retain vital powers or energy necessary for self-healing.”

 Nursing

It is considered as the modification of persons/patients environment to provide them

with comfort during the disease period[ CITATION Raf18 \l 2057 ]. Nursing is essential in

the recovery and maintaining of health ability of a person through the management of their

environment.

 Health

Nightingale considered it as a dynamic process, where health is related to six elements

that secure the patient’s health[ CITATION Med15 \l 2057 ]. They include pure water, pure

air, efficient drainage, light and cleanliness.

Theory Evaluation

Accuracy

Nightingale’s environmental theory is widely utilized in patient care today. Health

facilities and nursing practitioners will always ensure that patients under their care have

access to facilities that provide proper nutrition and clean beddings. Other related patient-

care facilities and services such as regulated noise will also be emphasized since they are

fundamental in the care and treatment of patients[ CITATION McE19 \l 2057 ]. For instance,

patients suffering from a condition such as dysentery or typhoid will always be encouraged

by nurses ensure that they follow a proper diet. They will also be encouraged to practice

appropriate hygiene in personal care and grooming, as well as when preparing food. Such

factors need to be addressed in treating and containing such illnesses when patients are
 4

recovering and being treated[ CITATION Med15 \l 2057 ]. These are some of the main

concepts that are usually implemented when tackling social issues through the collaboration

of social and medical organizations in areas that are ravaged by poverty, for instance.

Consistency

Nightingale’s environmental theory is always implemented widely, both through a

medical and social perspective. Terms and definitions such as proper personal care of

patients’ and caregivers, adequate hygiene and sanitation in both hospitals and other

environments that patients are being treated in, are always taken into account[ CITATION

She18 \l 2057 ]. Other aspects, such as proper nutrition are also emphasized when treating

patients. Altering such environmental factors is considered as the primary process of

achieving treatment and recovery of patients. It is also believed that nursing is a skill that is

necessary for ensuring that patient treatment is successful since they are vital in helping

patients restore their health and enabling them to cure and prevent future

diseases[ CITATION Raf18 \l 2057 ]. Emphasis on hygiene is also considered integral in the

prevention of infections and the promotion of health.

Fruitfulness

The application of this nursing model is widely used in the medical and nursing fields

in society. It is also being applied in social works, dealing with issues such as promoting

nutrition, hygiene and general healthcare, in areas that are considered poverty-stricken, for

instance[ CITATION Med15 \l 2057 ]. It is one of the leading models being implemented in

various projects around third world countries, as well as all over the globe. It is one of the

main reasons that campaigns promoting health are always successful in today’s society.

Simplicity/complexity

Nightingale’s beliefs and assumptions that aspects such as proper sanitation and

hygiene and improved personal care were integral in ensuring personal care, and successful
 5

patient recovery during treatment[ CITATION Med15 \l 2057 ]. There is also a clear linkage

and correlation between the theory, and its implementation in today’s world, where improved

patient outcomes are always recorded in the healing process. Multiple studies have shown

that the implementation of the theoretical approach as critical inpatient care. For instance, it

was studied that implementation of this nursing model in the Crimean War, led to the

reduction of cut casualties from 48% to 2%[ CITATION McE19 \l 2057 ]. One of the main

reasons was the provision of a healthy environment for patients by nurses. Less noise was

essential for the healing process, while cleanliness prevented morbidity.

Scope

Nightingale environmental theory is implemented mostly in the medical and nursing

fields. It is considered as a significant grand theory or a nursing model that is widely

implemented in today’s society[ CITATION She18 \l 2057 ]. It is also utilized in the social

education and campaigns of aspects and topics such as personal hygiene for the promotion off

personal healthcare. It is also considered as a basis for education in nursing programs in the

US and Britain.

Acceptability

The nursing model is one of the main approaches that is widely accepted in society

today, both in research and practice. Empirical data and statistics have proven that with the

proper environmental factors, and useful nursing techniques, patient recovery is always

recorded. It is also seen that people who do not necessarily have a nursing background, such

as parents, can take care of their children at home[ CITATION Med15 \l 2057 ]. They will

always implement this particular nursing model, where they will emphasize on proper

hygiene, proper nutrition and clean environment during patient-care.

Sociocultural utility
 6

The nursing model is inclusive with most of the society and cultural beliefs that are

present on a global scale. Individuals from all walks of life and different cultural backgrounds

will always implement Nightingale’s approach in providing both general personal care, as

well as patient care, regardless of them having a medical background or not. Families,

individuals and groups believe that personal hygiene, clean environment, proper nutrition are

all essential factors in preventing and curing diseases and infections in the society

today[ CITATION Med15 \l 2057 ].

Conclusion

The utilization of Nightingale’s environmental theory is essential in all nursing

education program, where the emphasis of supporting individuals to recover and health

during treatment through a conducive environment is made. A proper environment is

considered as a “healthful house,” which elaborated by Nightingale’s assumptions (pure

water, pure air, efficient drainage, light and cleanliness), are all the present-day foundations

where nurses practice their professions today.

 7

References:

McEwen, M., & Wills, E. (2019). Theoretical basis for nursing. Philadelphia: Wolters

Kluwer.

Medeiros, A., Enders, B., & Lira, A. (2015). The Florence Nightingale’s Environmental

Theory: A Critical. Escola Anna Nery Revista de Enfermagem, 19(3), 518-524.

doi:10.5935/1414-8145.20150069

Rafiq, N. (2018). Health in Surroundings: Application of the Theory of Environment in

Nursing Practice. Annals of Nursing and Practice, 5(2), 1-4. Retrieved from

https://www.jscimedcentral.com/Nursing/nursing-5-1095.pdf

Sher, A., & Akhtar, A. (2018). Clinical Application of Nightingale's Theory. Journal of

Clinical Research & Bioethics, 9(4), 1-3. doi:10.4172/2155-9627.1000329