1. Nightingale’s Philosophy in Nursing
Practice Theory Overview.
Nightingale’s philosophy primarily focuses on the environment, and the patient’s response
to their environment. Nightingale’s theory is founded on the belief that a
patient’s environment could be altered in order “to allow nature to act on the
patient” (Alligood, 2002, p. 84). The nurse and health are also important
components in Nightingale’s theory. Environment, person, health, and nursing—
the foundation of Nightingale’s theoretical framework.
“I use the word nursing for want of a better word. It has been limited to signify little more
than the administration of medicines and the application of poultices. It ought to
ought to signify the proper use of fresh air, light, warmth, cleanliness, quiet, and
the proper selection and administration of diet—all at the least expense of vital
power to the patient.” Florence Nightingale (Florence Nightingale, n.d.)
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