Nursing : Theory of the Healing Environment

Running head: NURSING
Task 1
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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A. My nursing practice has been most influenced by the theory of the healing
environment that had been established by Florence Nightingale. This theory
elucidates that the organisational culture and physical setting plays an important role
in supporting patients and their family members during hospitalisation and recovery
from illnesses. The theory highlighted that while caring for patients, nursing
professionals must promote a healing environment by creating provision for
appropriate light, nutrition, socialisation, noise, hope, and comfort.
1. Our nursing profession requires us to hold responsibility for the environment
in which our patients are treated. As the frontline managers of care delivery,
we have the accountability of modifying the care environment as per the
demands and preferences of the patient, in order to promote their optimal
wellbeing and recuperation.
2. As an ICU nurse, my duties encompass assessing the patient’s circumstances,
administering medication, and offering continuous support during their
recovery from the health ailment. In order to be a successful ICU nurse, I am
expected to have the tenacity of addressing difficult situations, while working
with a team in order to prevent deterioration of the patient. This theory fits my
practice since I try to prevent noise in the ICU ward, in order to decrease stress
of the patients. I often ask my patients if they would like me or their family
members bring along some artwork, photographs, plants or sacred objects. I
also try to make the patient feel comfortable by playing relaxation music and
engaging in compassionate discussions.
B. Two historical figures who made significant contributions in the field of nursing are
Florence Nightingale and Hazel W. Johnson-Brown. While the former is regarded as

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the founder of contemporary nursing, the latter was an educator and nurse who served
in the US Army.
1. Nightingale's long-lasting contribution to the profession can be accredited to
her role in establishment the current nursing profession. She formulated an
illustration of compassion, empathy, commitment to caring for the patient, and
hardworking and considerate hospital administration (Alligood, 2017). Earlier,
nurses considered their occupations to be insignificant and of low-status, since
they were untaught and generally learned through practice. Her efforts
transformed nursing into a reputable profession, increasing its standards by
integrating education and accountabilities into the occupation. Nurses were
gradually respected and valued, and the hospital environment also improved
significantly. Hazel Johnson-Brown made history for being the first ever
African American female general in the year 1979. She commanded around
7,000 men and women nurses in the Army Reserves and Army National
Guard, besides establishing policies and overseeing the operations in different
medical centers, community hospitals, and freestanding clinics (Jacob, 2018).
2. While delivering care, I try to emphasise on the significance of patient
observation, with the aim of identifying their needs and symptoms, based on
which I deliver tailored care. I stress on the value of sanitary conditions and
always ensure that my patients are provided much needed warmth, air,
nutritious diet and light in the ICU. I have also acquired leadership traits that
help me oversee the incorporation of patient care, along with treatment plan
development, collection and analysis of results, and patient management.
C.

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1. The primary difference between the American Nurses Association (ANA) and
the State Board of Nursing (BON) is that the latter is a public institute, in
comparison to ANA that is privately owned (American Nurses Association,
2015). The BON acts as a not-for-profit organization looking after matters
affecting health, welfare and safety of the public, compared to the ANA that
requires membership for enhancement of career (Florida Board of Nursing,
2019).
2. The state board of nursing in Florida helps me to set my professional standards
and potentials for the treatment that I offer to my patients, and also offers me
the licensure to work as a nurse. The ANA affects my practice by promoting
my career progression and professional expansion.
3. I hold the nursing licence in Florida. Registered Nurses (RNs) working in
Florida have to renew their license based on three categories namely, (i) group
1 with current licence expiring at midnight, April 30, 2020, (ii) group 2 with
current licence expiring at midnight, July 31, 2020 and (iii) group 3 with
current licence expiring at midnight, April 30, 2021 (all Eastern Standard
Time). The license gets renewed by the department on submitting the
completed CE requirements, duly filled-in renewal application, and the fees
(Florida Board of Nursing, 2019).
a. Failure to maintain the requirements for license need to reapply to gain
their licensure, besides complying with the rules and legislation.
4. Compact states allow nurses to practice their profession in remaining NLC
state lines, without the complication of obtaining extra licensure from the
individual states, compared to non-compact states where every time a nurse
practices in a different state, additional eligibility requirements have to be met.