Nightingale’s Theory
Florence Nightingale established the environmental theory for patient care. It proposes
using intuition to modify environments and make them helpful to promote health (DeNisco &
Barker, 2015). As such, medical conditions occur differently with each patient. Therefore,
having factual information on useful strategies can be futile in case of emergencies. Hence,
practitioners must think quickly and act accordingly to save lives by employing adjustments to
patient surroundings.
Nightingale's theory addresses the environment's components that affect nursing practice
as light, warmth, noise, and ventilation. She presents that unsanitary conditions cause health
degradation and death; hence nurses must ensure conducive patient care (Fain, 2020). The
theorist regards persons as ill individuals that rely on nurses to get well. The environment
consists of psychological, social, and physical factors that may hinder or contribute to optimal
health. She perceives health as the ability to control environments to maintain well-being and
render patients capable of normal functioning. The theory also submits that unsanitary conditions
aggravate illnesses, hence the vitality of maintaining cleanliness and fresh air around patients.
The environmental theory applies to patients with respiratory illnesses. As such, they
require sterile surroundings free of dust and germs to prevent further damage (DeNisco &
Barker, 2015). Hence, nurses ensure that their rooms are kept clean and position themselves
properly for better breathing.
Watson’s Theory
Jean Watson declares that caring acts characterize nursing practice. She points out that
showcasing kindness and love to patients makes them feel safe, which improves reparative
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powers (DeNisco & Barker, 2015). The theory further suggests that affection has healing
abilities. It grants the ill courage to endure, and this promotes self-actualization.
Watson's theory claims that caring is more effective than curing, hence inviting nurses to
exhibit sensitivity by paying attention to patient needs. A person's concept dictates that all human
beings deserve to feel valued and natured to influence good health (Fain, 2020). She idealizes the
environment as the society at large, thus stressing the essence of sentimental behavior.
According to Watson, excellent health regards the optimal functioning of mental, physical, and
social processes. She also presents that nursing practices aim at preventing diseases and health
restoration through endearment between patients and their nurses.
Watson's theory of care applies to patients suffering from chronic illnesses like cancer
(DeNisco & Barker, 2015). Nurses develop friendships with them by engaging in frequent
conversations to help them cope and adopt positive attitudes, focusing less on the pain and more
on life's blessings.
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References
DeNisco, S. M., & Barker, A. M. (2015). Advanced practice nursing. Jones & Bartlett
Publishers.
Fain, J. A. (2020). Reading, understanding, and applying nursing