V. Variety (HEALING ENVIRONMENT)
Florence Nightingale, 1860Variety of objects aids recovery
Art and colour have physical effects
Recovery faster with beautiful views
Individual "fancies" are valuable clues
Effect is on body, not just mind
Too much variety at once overwhelms
Your walls can heal or harm
Health requires visual stimulation
Engage the senses for recovery
Avoid monotony of same four walls
Little things (flowers) make big difference
Slow variety is the key
V. Variety
🎯 EXAM FOCUS: The Principle
"To any but an old nurse, the degree would be quite inconceivable to which the nerves of the sick suffer from seeing the same walls, the same ceiling, the same surroundings during a long confinement."
🔍 COLOR AND FORM AS MEDICINE
"The effect in sickness of beautiful objects, of variety of objects, and especially of brilliancy of colour is hardly at all appreciated."
What are called "fancies" of patients are often the most valuable indications of what is necessary for their recovery.
📌 POWERFUL EXAMPLE
I shall never forget the rapture of fever patients over a bunch of bright-coloured flowers. In my own case, a nosegay of wild flowers was sent me, and from that moment recovery became more rapid.
People say the effect is only on the mind. It is no such thing. The effect is on the body, too.
⚡ THE RULE OF SLOW VARIETY
If you show a patient ten engravings successively → likely becomes cold, faint, feverish, sick.
Hang one up opposite him, one each successive day → he will revel in the variety.
🌸 FLOWERS IN THE SICKROOM
Common error: Nurse denies patient cut-flowers on plea of unhealthiness.
Truth: Plants absorb carbonic acid, give off oxygen. Cut-flowers decompose water and produce oxygen.
Exception: lilies — smell may depress nervous system.
📝 Key Takeaways for NCLEX
- Beautiful objects and color have PHYSICAL effects on recovery
- Slow variety is key - don't overwhelm with too many changes at once
🧠 Mnemonic Summary
- NURSE: Nature heals, Universal skill, Reflective practice, Sanitary knowledge, Everyday application
Source: Notes on Nursing: What It Is and What It Is Not, Florence Nightingale, 1860. First American Edition.