Florence Nightingale was known for several nursing theories, but one that is still widely used today is her Environmental Theory (Nield, 2012). The environmental theory argues on the importance of providing a healing and therapeutic environment for the patient. It highlights personal and environmental cleanliness to prevent spread of germs and infection. Maintenance of mental and emotional health is also a necessary component in nursing. This theory is most appropriate in the community setting where promotion of health and prevention of disease are the focus of health care providers. Florence Nightingale conceptualized manipulation of the physical environment is a critical component of nursing. She established several key factors nurses can control to prevent illness and promote health (Nield, 2013). This paper will discuss the importance of theory to the nursing profession, summary of the selected nursing theory, application of specific nursing theory to the selected professional nursing practice area and the …show more content…
Florence Nightingale first explained this theory in her book, Notes on Nursing: What it is, What it is Not, published in 1860. The latest edition of Notes on nursing: What it is, What it is Not was published December 21, 2005. According to Enders, Brandao De Carvalho Lira, and Medeiros (2015), there are several concepts of Florence Nightingale’s environmental theory, they are also identified as Nightingale’s Canons. Enders et al., (2015) described the following concepts: Ventilation and warming, the need of pure air is essential in the maintenance of health. Light and noise, the need of having direct sunlight and unnecessary sounds. Cleanliness of the area, Nightingale believed that everything will follow when everything is clean. Health of the house, the room where the sick is having pure air, pure water, efficient drainage, cleanliness, and sufficient light. Bed and bedding, the patient should have a good bed and clean bedding. Personal cleanliness, maintaining personal cleanliness is important to the skin and the skin’s pores must be free from excretions because it is poisonous to the body. Variety, the patient should be given the opportunity of environment changes and encouragement of activities to relieve boredom. Offering hope and advice, do not give advices and false hop to the patient, that could lead to added stress. Food, offer a variety of food and frequent