The single most defining characteristic of the Nightingale philosophy comes from her profound devotion to God and sense of spirituality, which developed in her childhood and lasted throughout her lifetime.

She records in her diary an interaction with God at age 16 when He "called her into His service."

Elements of her beliefs are prominent in her writings:

Protestant work ethic - Inclusive of all people

1. Natural Laws

Presence of Universal laws that govern the ways in which the world works. Laws of life are definable through experience and research including statistical analysis.

2. Mankind can achieve perfection

She believed in self-determination, self-realization, and that mankind does seek self-perfection. The route is through self-perfection. When relating to health care, this means seeking perfect health.

3. Nursing is a calling

Doing work in such a way as to do what is right and best. Work is to be done with enthusiasm. Nursing should not be done merely for renumeration or because it is a popular avocation. The work of nursing is so important it should be thought of as a religious vow.

4. Nursing is an art and a science

By identifying these two components, this provides the profession with the expectation that nursing will be practiced by educated individuals using current research methods as well as compassion and common logic. This combination gives the profession breadth and depth.

5. Nursing is achieved though environmental alteration

Through environmental alteration, one is able to put the patient in the best environmental condition for nature to act, thereby facilitating the laws of nature.

6. Nursing requires a specific educational base

Focus on providing nursing education underscored her belief in the value of educating women in general. Emphasized the need to blend theoretical and clinical experiences as part of the package.

"Neither can it (nursing) be taught in lectures or by books (alone) although these are valuable accessories, if used as such: otherwise what is in the book stays in the book"

Florence Nightingale, 1893

7. Nursing is separate from medicine

Nursing is not to be viewed as subservient to medicine, as the purposes of the two are distinctly different. Nursing's focus is caring through environmental alteration, whereas medicine's focus is cure of the disease.

Nightingale's Theory of Nursing

Environment:
The umbrella concept in the Nightingale Theory of Nursing.
Definition of environment: anything that assists in putting the individual in the best possible condition for nature to act.

Internal and external components:
Food, water, medications, ventilation, light,noise control, stimulation and room temperature.
VENTILATION was most important

Nightingale's basic tenets for maintenance of health, and definitions

Person:
the individual receiving nursing care.

Societal Health:
Conceptualized that the improvement of health in individuals and families lead to the improved health of society.

Nightingale's Six D's of Disease

Dirt
Refers to general hygiene, cleanliness in the home, interpersonal contact

Drink
Refers to cleanliness of drinking water

Diet
Refers to the need for a proper and balanced diet

Damp
Refers to the need for a dry, warm environment

Draughts
Refers to the belief that drafts can precipitate a disease episode

Drains
Refers to the need for proper drainage and sewer systems

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