Florence Nightingale Theoretical Framework
Katherine Perona and Ashley Schultz
Grand Canyon University
Theoretical Foundations of Practice
NUR 513
Sandra Wheeler
November 04, 2014

Florence Nightingale Theoretical Framework
Florence Nightingale is well known as the mother of modern nursing. She drew upon her many experiences as a battlefield nurse during the Crimean war to develop what was widely accepted as the first nursing theory. She viewed the manipulation of a patient’s environment as having a large impact on a patient’s health and well-being. She believed a nurse must be adapted to fit the needs of each different patient. According to Nightingale, the role of the nurse is to “put the patient in the best possible condition in order for nature to act” ("nursing theory," 2013, para. 5).
What eventually became known as Florence Nightingale’s environment theory identified ten major concepts which a nurse must address in order to achieve holistic care. These factors include ventilation and warming, light and noise, cleanliness of the area, health of houses, bedding, personal cleanliness, variety, offering hope and advice, food, and observation ("nursing theory," 2013). Nightingale observed that unsanitary environments contribute to poor health and surmised that in the effort of improving patient condition, the environment can be altered to promote optimal health. In her theory, she is not simply speaking about the physical environment but also the psychological environment as well. The basis of her entire theory is the interconnection of a healthy environment with nursing outside influences and conditions can prevent, suppress, or contribute to disease or death.
Manipulation of environmental factors is the main idea behind Florence Nightingale's theory. This is done through giving the patient, pure water and good food. It is also done by managing