Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory

Florence Nightingale is considered the first nursing theorist. She believed the environment had a strong influence on patient outcomes, and many elements of her Environmental Theory are still practiced today. There are 10 key aspects of the theory. They are:

1. Patients should have clean air and a temperature-controlled environment

2. Patients should have access to direct sunlight and not be subjected to unnecessary noise, especially when sleeping

3. Rooms should be kept clean

4. Hospital facilities should be well-constructed

5. Bedding should be changed and aired frequently

6. Patients should be kept clean and nurses should wash hands frequently

7. Patients should be offered a variety of scenery, such as new books or flowers, to prevent boredom

8. Nurses should be positive but not offer false hope to patients or make light of their illness

9. Offer a variety of small meals instead of large ones, and do not do patient care while patient is eating as it is distracting

10. Consider not only the individual patient but the context of where he or she lives