Florence Nightingale Theory

11/23/2015
Florence Nightingale
1. Analyze the Applicability of the Theory
a. Structure
• This theory is based upon the concept of environment and 13 sub-concepts, which can be manipulated to prevent diseases.
• The metaparadigms are well defined; however, the 13 canons/sub-concepts are not described that well. Hence lacking structure and clarity.
• A caring relationship relates the 13 sub-concepts together. o The patient is willing to have good health, and so the nurse and the patient will cooperate towards a common goal of restoration of the patient’s health. o The nurse’s role is to prevent any interruptions that may occur during the patient’s restoration process. In addition, to provide positive and optimistic conditions to the patient

o Light: Have adequate lighting in the patient’s room. o Noise: Keep noise to the minimum. o Health of houses: The five essentials of efficient drainage, cleanliness, pure water, light and pure air. o Cleanliness of rooms and walls: Keep the surroundings clean o Personal cleanliness: Keep patient clean and dry. o Variety: Have variety in the patient’s room to avoid depression. o Chattering hopes and advices: Talk only when needed. o Food: Keep in mind, the patient’s food preferences. o Food intake: Document the patient’s food and liquid intake. o Observation of the sick: Observe the patient, and document the observation. o Bed and bedding: Keep the bed comfortable, dry and wrinkle free. o Petty management: Continue the patient care, even when the nurse is not present (Nightingale, 1860/1969).
• The theory is applicable anywhere, however, environment is not the only factor that influences the patient’s health. Other factors include genetics, and

Complexity
• Thirteen sub-concepts are to be there in Nightingale’s theory.
• The outcomes of application of the theory is patient will remain free of disease by means of healthy environment (Nightingale, 1859).

d. Generality
• The purpose of the theory is to provide a proper guideline to the nurses through the manipulations to the environment, in order for the patient to receive care and conquer positive health changes.
• In order for the theory to work, the nurse must recognize both the patient’s situation and environment (Selanders, 2010).
• The theory is broad in scope, which is applicable to abundance of nursing processes.
e. Strengths and Weaknesses
• Weaknesses: o The assumption that the disease is a direct result of the environment. o The theory is limited to 13 sub-concepts. o It lacks the specific definitions for the concepts and sub-concepts (Dossey, 2010).
• Strengths: o Nightingale’s creation of complete nursing care. o Theory’s sub-concepts are timeless. o Theory’s emphasizes on observation and data collection, which is now, evidence-based practice. o The theory is applicable to everyone (Selanders, 2010).
• Cases where the theory is applicable: o Pediatrics patients with the use of any