Nightingale noted that a pillar of nursing was dedicated to the preservation of cleanliness.
One would hope that no one has to remind a nurse to come to work clean, nor to keep their patients clean, as this is a fundamental principle of nursing practice.
She stressed the importance of removing dust using a damp cloth, avoiding the use of carpet, and of walls that are papered, plastered, or oil-painted.
The best wall for a room was a pure white, non-absorbent material, such as cement, glass, or tiles.
Keeping the room and environment the patient is in clean ensures that the air inside is clean.
“Without cleanliness, you cannot have all the effect of ventilation, and without ventilation, you can have no thorough cleanliness” (Nightingale, 1859).

One of Florence Nightingale’s primary focuses was prioritizing hygiene. Today, this is a primary factor in controlling infectious diseases. Lack of hygiene is a significant contributor to hospital-acquired infections, and it remains a leading concern for healthcare providers (Potter & Perry, 2013). Nightingale insisted that hospital wards were kept clean, and this remains a focus in hospitals and care centers today (Lee, Clark, & Thompson, 2013).
Nightingale advocated for rooms with proper lighting and minimal clutter. This is evident today, as poor lighting in patients’ rooms or homes is the most significant cause of falls in the elderly (Potter & Perry, 2013).
An advantage of Florence’s environment theory is that it can be implemented globally, and across all ages and cultures. Whenever the environment can be altered, Nightingale’s theory can be readily applied.
Nightingale’s environmental theory concepts are timeless and can be applied universally in all contemporary nursing settings. Kozier et al state that “her general concepts about ventilation, cleanliness, quiet, warmth and diet remain an integral part of nursing and health care today” (Kozier, 2010).
Nightingale’s theory emphasizes the importance of the environment on patient health. It is essential to acknowledge that although a healthy environment is crucial, it can only go so far in addressing illness and disease.

Beck stated that Nightingale did not “wait for directives from physicians or the hospital administrator or even from her colleagues. From her sense of calling, she acted on her commitment to humanity on directives from within” (Beck, 2010).
Today, as nurses, we need to respect the multidisciplinary team and follow proper procedures and policies, adhering to orders and instructions.
Beck also stated that Nightingale, “made too much of a sacrifice, denied herself too much and nearly killed herself in the process” (Beck, 2010).
Modern nurses understand the importance of self-preservation, and although they remain devoted to their patients, they must also prioritize their own care and health.
This helps nurses avoid severe burnout and the effects of overwork. Namaste.

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Paula M

Retired Registered Nurse (Non-practicing) Storyteller, Healer, Scribe, Transformational Leader