The environment is commonly categorized into two aspects: the internal environment and the external environment. The internal environment encompasses the mechanisms within an organism that maintain homeostasis. On the other hand, the external environment includes conditions outside the organism that impact human life and survival, such as the physical, chemical, biological, and social environments.

The concept of environment holds a crucial place in nursing science, with Florence Nightingale being instrumental in clarifying and integrating it into nursing practice. Nightingale’s environmental theory views the “restoration of health” as the goal of necessary environmental adjustments for nursing, with the “methods of providing technology” as the means to achieve this goal. This perspective is grounded in the idea that humans and the environment are interconnected, forming the basis for many nursing theories. Scholars like H.E. Peplau and J. Travelbee consider the nursing profession an integral element of the interpersonal environment. In terms of environmental adjustment from the human-environment system perspective, this includes the patient’s physical living space, the interpersonal environment involving people related to the patient, and the educational and administrative environment shaping norms and customs related to the patient’s life.

All living beings, including humans, exist under the influence of the environment. They not only experience the impact of the environment but also contribute to it, shaping their existence and influencing their surroundings.

Nursing professionals must possess adequate knowledge and skills in understanding the environment and analyzing interactions within it that affect human health. Based on this analysis, they can aid individuals in recovering their health while actively improving the environmental factors influencing their well-being.

• Fukai, K., & Maeda, H. (Eds.). (2006). Basic nursing text: EBN-oriented nursing practice. Nankodo Co., Ltd.
• Kawaguchi, T. (1998). Environmental studies around the bed. Igaku-Shoin Ltd.
• Nightingale, F. (2000). Nursing memorandum: What is nursing and what is not nursing (Yumaki, M., et al., Trans.; Rev. 6th ed.). Gendaisha Publishing Co., Ltd.