Application of Nightingale's Theory in Nursing Practice

When nursing practice is guided by a theoretical framework, it serves as an organizing model for a body of knowledge. This paper described a clinical scenario which was analyzed through Florence Nightingale’s Environmental theory. Nightingale defined 13 canons of environment and she gave a detailed description of each aspect. Her major canons include: ventilation, light, noise, cleanliness of rooms/walls, bed and bedding, personal cleanliness, and taking food. According to Nightingale, if nurses modify patients environment according to her canons of environment, she can help patient to restore his usual health or bring patient in recovery. This was also reflected in the clinical scenario. Hence, Nightingale provided a basis for providing holistic care to the patients and it is still applicable today. From the scenario, it is recommended that, at community level, people should be given awareness regarding basic environmental hygiene through media and Lady Health Visitors.’ At hospital level, if checklist regarding environmental factors is attached in patient’s bedside folder then it will compel nurses for its implementation and hence will result in positive effects on patient’s condition.