What is a key component of the environment according to Florence Nightingale?

Florence Nightingale emphasized the importance of cleanliness as a vital component of the environment in her nursing philosophy. She believed that a clean environment was essential for patient recovery and health maintenance. Nightingale's work illustrated that factors such as sanitation, fresh air, and cleanliness significantly influenced patient outcomes and the spread of disease. Her emphasis on hygiene and environmental health laid the groundwork for modern nursing practices that prioritize a clean and safe environment for patients. This focus on cleanliness included not just physical cleanliness but also the overall orderliness and aesthetic aspects of the care setting, which she believed could contribute to patient wellbeing and healing. Nightingale's pioneering principles in nursing continue to inform practices related to environmental health in the field today.