NURSING THEORIES

Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory

Florence Nightingale's Environmental Theory emphasizes the importance of

the patient's surroundings in fostering health and wellness. In the context of

cancer, nurses can prioritize establishing a nurturing and therapeutic

environment to support the patient's healing process.

According to Nightingale's theory, the physical environment plays a crucial

role in patient recovery. Nurses can ensure that the patient's surroundings are

clean, comfortable, and conducive to healing. This may involve controlling

factors such as noise, lighting, and temperature to optimize the patient's

comfort and rest.

Additionally, Nightingale emphasized the importance of psychological and

social aspects of the environment. Nurses can provide emotional support and

create a nurturing atmosphere to alleviate pain and promote a sense of

security for patients facing the challenges of illness. Encouraging meaningful

social interactions with loved ones and support networks can also contribute

to the patient's overall well-being.

Furthermore, Nightingale advocated for patient education and empowerment.

Nurses can educate patients about their condition, treatment options, and

self-care strategies to empower them to actively participate in their care. This

may include providing information about symptom management, medication

adherence, and lifestyle modifications to optimize the patient's quality of life.

Lydia E. Hall’s Three Cs (Care, Cure, Core Theory)

Lydia E. Hall’s Three Cs defined as participation in care, core and cure

aspects of patient care, where CARE is the sole function of nurses, whereas

the CORE and CURE are shared with other members of the health team. The

“care” circle defines a professional nurse’s primary role, such as providing

bodily care for the patient. The “core” is the patient receiving nursing care.

The “cure” is the aspect of nursing that involves the administration of

medications and treatments.

This theory can be utilized effectively to address the patient's physical,

emotional, and social needs. The "care" component emphasizes the

importance of nurturing a therapeutic relationship between the nurse and the

patient. By providing compassionate and attentive care, nurses can create a

supportive environment where patients feel valued and understood. This

involves actively listening to the patient's concerns, advocating for their

preferences, and involving them in decision-making regarding their care plan.

Through empathetic communication and genuine connection, nurses can

establish trust and foster a sense of comfort and security for the patient,

promoting their overall well-being and healing process.

Additionally, while providing care, nurses must recognize the limitations of

medical interventions in achieving a complete cure for every patient. It

emphasizes the importance of accepting patients' conditions and focusing on

maximizing their quality of life rather than solely aiming for a cure. This

involves managing symptoms effectively, promoting comfort, and enhancing

patients' functional abilities to optimize their independence and overall well-

being.

Virginia Henderson's Nursing Need Theory

Virginia Henderson's "Need Theory" emphasizes the importance of helping

individuals achieve autonomy in meeting their fundamental needs, thereby

fostering health and overall well-being.

Nurses can apply Henderson's theory comprehensively, addressing not only

the patient's physical needs but also their psychological, sociocultural, and

spiritual requirements. The nurse's primary role lies in facilitating the patient's

comfort, dignity, and sense of self-direction amidst their illness. Henderson

delineated fourteen basic needs that patients necessitate assistance with,

encompassing aspects such as respiration, nutrition, elimination, mobility,

rest, hygiene, and thermal regulation. Nurses can assess these needs and

implement suitable interventions to enhance the patient's functioning and

quality of life.

Moreover, Henderson emphasized the importance of recognizing each

patient's individuality and tailoring care plans accordingly. Nurses should

consider factors like cultural background, personal beliefs, and past

experiences when devising interventions to meet the patient's specific needs

and preferences.

Additionally, continual evaluation and adjustment of care plans are crucial

elements highlighted by Henderson. As the patient's condition evolves, nurses

must adapt their approaches to ensure that the patient's evolving needs are
effectively addressed, thereby sustaining their well-being and promoting a

sense of dignity throughout their illness journey.