Nightingale - Enviornmental Theory
Nightingale 's Theory of Practice 1860: Florence Nightingale | Investigates the effect of the environment on healing |
Nightingale 's theory of practice, an environmental adaptation theory, was documented for nurses and laypersons alike and served as the foundation for the promotion of health. This theory was referred to by Nightingale as the canons of nursing and guided the practice of professional nursing. A description of these canons, or standards, follows. Ventilation and Warming In the concept of ventilation and warming, Nightingale is very precise to “keep the air he breathes as pure as the external air without chilling him” (Nightingale, 1859, p. 8). Plenty of ventilation is necessary to carry off the noxious elements from a sick person 's lungs and skin.
Noise “Unnecessary noise, or noise that creates an expectation in the mind is that which hurts a patient” (Nightingale, 1859, p. 25). The nurse should guard against sudden noise, thoughtless chatter, and whispering in a patient 's room. The effect of music may be beneficial.
Variety Variety is another concept that helps alleviate suffering. Beautiful objects, brilliant colors, cut flowers, perhaps different things to do (e.g., handwork), and even pets may alleviate the boredom felt by those suffering.
Diet The fourth concept is diet. “Sick cookery should half do the work of your poor patient 's weak digestion” (Nightingale, 1859, p. 38). Nightingale reviews some of the common substances (gruel, arrowroot puddings, and egg flip) given to the sick.
Light “It is the unqualified result of all my experience with the sick that second only to their need of fresh air is their need of light” (Nightingale, 1859, p. 47). Take the patient outside for direct sunlight. Keep rooms well lighted with no bed curtains or dark windows.
Chattering Hopes and Advices
Nightingale 's theory of practice, an environmental adaptation theory, was documented for nurses and laypersons alike and served as the foundation for the promotion of health. This theory was referred to by Nightingale as the canons of nursing and guided the practice of professional nursing. A description of these canons, or standards, follows. Ventilation and Warming In the concept of ventilation and warming, Nightingale is very precise to “keep the air he breathes as pure as the external air without chilling him” (Nightingale, 1859, p. 8). Plenty of ventilation is necessary to carry off the noxious elements from a sick person 's lungs and skin.
Noise “Unnecessary noise, or noise that creates an expectation in the mind is that which hurts a patient” (Nightingale, 1859, p. 25). The nurse should guard against sudden noise, thoughtless chatter, and whispering in a patient 's room. The effect of music may be beneficial.
Variety Variety is another concept that helps alleviate suffering. Beautiful objects, brilliant colors, cut flowers, perhaps different things to do (e.g., handwork), and even pets may alleviate the boredom felt by those suffering.
Diet The fourth concept is diet. “Sick cookery should half do the work of your poor patient 's weak digestion” (Nightingale, 1859, p. 38). Nightingale reviews some of the common substances (gruel, arrowroot puddings, and egg flip) given to the sick.
Light “It is the unqualified result of all my experience with the sick that second only to their need of fresh air is their need of light” (Nightingale, 1859, p. 47). Take the patient outside for direct sunlight. Keep rooms well lighted with no bed curtains or dark windows.
Chattering Hopes and Advices
References: Czaja, Je’. (n.d.) Nursing Theories of Florence Nightingale. eHow Health. Retrieved June 21, 2013 from http://www.ehow.com/about_5568927_nursing-theories-florence-nightingale.html. Unknown Author. (n.d.) Nursing Theory. Retrieved June 24, 2013 from http://www.scribd.com/doc/25944745/1/FLORENCE-NIGHTINGALE-ENVIRONMENTAL-NURSING-THEORY.