Contributor: Munachi Okpala, DNP, MBA, MSN, APRN, NP-C

As I embark on another day in the world of nursing, I find myself drawn to the profound philosophies that underpin our profession. Among these, the enduring wisdom of Betty Neuman’s System Model and Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory resonates deeply, offering invaluable guidance in navigating the complexities of contemporary healthcare. Join me as I explore the practical applications of these theories, diving into their relevance amidst technological advancements, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the ever-evolving landscape of patient care.

Betty Neuman’s System Model stands as a beacon of proactive, holistic care in our technologically advanced era. Rooted in the belief that prevention is paramount, Neuman’s model encourages nurses to identify and address stressors before they manifest into significant health issues (Neuman, 1996). With the advent of electronic health records and telehealth, we now have powerful tools at our disposal to monitor patient health in real time, allowing for timely interventions that align seamlessly with Neuman’s proactive approach. Furthermore, the model’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration fosters a team-based approach to care, wherein nurses work alongside professionals from various disciplines to provide holistic support to patients and their families.

Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory offers complementary insights into creating healing environments that promote patient recovery and well-being. While the importance of a clean and aesthetically pleasing environment remains paramount, technological advancements have opened up new avenues for enhancing the healing environment (Amato et al., 2022 & Navaz et al., 2021). From smart room technologies that regulate lighting and temperature to evidence-based architectural designs that promote patient comfort, modern healthcare facilities are leveraging innovation to create environments that support healing on multiple levels. Moreover, Nightingale’s emphasis on the psychological impact of the environment speaks to the growing recognition of the mind-body connection in healthcare. By incorporating evidence-based practices such as art, music, and nature therapies, nurses can create therapeutic environments that nurture patients’ mental and emotional well-being alongside their physical recovery.

Yet, beyond the practical applications of these theories lies a deeper ethical foundation that guides our practice. Principles such as beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, justice, and veracity serve as moral compasses, steering us toward patient-centered care that upholds the dignity and rights of every individual (Gustavson et al., 2021 & Golden et al., 2021). In a healthcare landscape marked by cultural diversity and technological complexity, these ethical principles serve as touchstones, grounding us in our commitment to compassionate and equitable care. By embracing the holistic and ethical foundations laid by Neuman and Nightingale, we not only honor the legacy of our profession but also pave the way for a future where nursing remains synonymous with excellence, empathy, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of our patients.

References

Amato, C., McCanne, L., Yang, C., Ostler, D., Ratib, O., Wilhelm, D., & Lukas, B. (2021). The hospital of the future: rethinking architectural design to enable new patient-centered treatment concepts. International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery, 17(6), 1177–1187. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-021-02540-9.

Golden, T. L., Springs, S., Kimmel, H. J., Gupta, S., Tiedemann, A., Sandu, C. C., & Magsamen, S. (2021). The Use of music in the treatment and Management of Serious Mental Illness: A Global Scoping Review of the literature. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.649840.

Gustavson, D. E., Coleman, P. L., Iversen, J. R., Maes, H. H., Gordon, R. L., & Lense, M. D. (2021). Mental health and music engagement: review, framework, and guidelines for future studies. Translational Psychiatry, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-021-01483-8.

Navaz, A. N., Serhani, M. A., Kassabi, H. T. E., Al-Qirim, N., & Ismail, H. (2021). Trends, technologies, and key challenges in smart and connected healthcare. IEEE Access, 9, 74044–74067. https://doi.org/10.1109/access.2021.3079217

Neuman, B. (1996). The Neuman Systems Model in Research and Practice. Nursing Science Quarterly, 9(2), 67–70. https://doi.org/10.1177/089431849600900207

About Munachi Okpala

I have been a nurse for 24 years and am the Associate Director of the Stroke Prevention Program at UTHealth Science Center in Houston. My role involves providing top-notch care to a diverse patient population. I prioritize using technology and love languages such as words of affirmation, quality time, and physical touch to achieve excellent patient experience and outcomes. Furthermore, I am a Ph.D. student at Texas Woman’s University and remain committed to staying informed about the latest healthcare advancements and applying best practices in my work. As a nursing professional, I am dedicated to promoting a workplace culture of excellence and teamwork. Through my experience and academic background, I have developed a deep understanding of the importance of patient-centered care and am confident that I can contribute to the healthcare field.