Florence Nightingale: Environmental Theory

Study Notes

Florence Nightingale: Environmental Theory & The Mother of Modern Nursing

Florence Nightingale (May 12, 1820 - August 13, 1910) is considered the founder of modern nursing.
Nightingale's key contribution to nursing is the Environmental Theory, which focuses on the impact of the environment on a patient's health and recovery.
Developed her theory in the context of the Crimean War (1853-1856), where she observed the devastating effects of poor sanitation and hygiene on soldiers.
Nightingale was born in Florence, Italy to a wealthy British family, where she received a classical education.
Nightingale’s passion for nursing and philanthropy was a turning point in her life:
- She dedicated her life to helping the sick and poor, ministering to the ill.
- Joined the Lutheran Hospital of Pastor Fliedner in Kaiserwerth, Germany for training.
- became the superintendent at the Lutheran Hospital in Germany.
- Nightingale’s life was dedicated to nursing, and she held this position until 1854.
During the Crimean War, Nightingale and her staff of 38 volunteer nurses provided care to wounded soldiers.
She became known as “The Lady with the Lamp” for her dedication to her patients, working tirelessly through the night.
Nightingale's work during the Crimean War significantly improved sanitation, hygiene, and overall patient care.
Key interventions: Reduced mortality rates from 42% to 2% by emphasizing sanitation and hygiene practices, proper ventilation, and clean water supply.
Successfully implemented her environmental theory, advocating for clean and well-ventilated hospitals and emphasized the importance of keeping patients comfortable and clean.
Nightingale’s writings on nursing and sanitation were instrumental in transforming nursing education and practice, including: “Notes on Nursing”, a slim 136 page guide to nursing principles.
“Notes on Hospitals” highlighted sanitation connections to the care of patients and the importance of appropriate medical facilities.
Nightingale also made significant contributions to the development of the nursing profession:
- Her work contributed to the establishment of the first professional nursing training schools.
- Pioneered the use of statistics to demonstrate the impact of sanitation on health outcomes.
- Advocated for women’s education and careers.
Nightingale’s lasting legacy is her commitment to promoting nursing as a respected and essential profession and for using the environment to promote patient health and well-being.

Crimean War

Crimean War (1853-1856) : A conflict between Russia, the Ottoman Empire, and an alliance of Britain, France, and Sardinia.
Nightingale’s work during this time period significantly improved sanitation and overall patient care.
In 1854, when Nightingale arrived at Selimiye Barracks in Scutari, she found that the hospital was overcrowded, unsanitary, and short on supplies. She established proper sanitation procedures.
Nightingale was a tireless advocate for the needs of the soldiers. She organized a team of nurses and worked tirelessly, night and day, to bring supplies, provide care, and improve morale.

Nightingale’s Environmental Theory

Nightingale advocated for the utilization of the patient's environment to assist in their recovery.
She believed that the environment played a significant role in health outcomes, particularly emphasizing factors such as: hygiene, ventilation, and pure air.
This theory significantly impacted nursing practice and had a direct impact on the way hospitals are built today.
Nightingale placed heavy emphasis on the need for training for nurses, a necessity to improve the overall quality of care.