As the nursing profession became prevalent, nursing theories began to develop. Meleis (1997) defines nursing theory as a formulated theory that refers to existing nursing standards while proposing new nursing concepts. These theories are used to guide nurses in their research and actions (as cited in George, 2002, p. 5). They are also used to predict the results of actions taken and the patient's response (George, 2002, p. 5). Nursing theories are a collection of information used to provide a universal framework for how nursing should be practiced (Parker, 2001, p. 8). Many leaders in the nursing field have developed nursing theories; but in this article Florence Nightingale's theory will be at the center of the discussion. It was his belief that the environment could be modified to improve a patient's state and promote healing (Selanders, 2010, p. 83). Nightingale's work changed nursing and has a major impact on healthcare today. The purpose of this article is to clearly explain Nightingale's theory and its current relevance in the nursing field. BackgroundFlorence Nightingale (1820-1910), is considered the founder of modern nursing. One of Nightingale's experiences that greatly influenced her later work was her contribution to the Crimean War (1853). Shortly after the war began, very sick British soldiers began arriving in Türkiye for treatment. Within a few weeks, thousands of men suffered from various diseases and infections. In 1854, Nightingale was asked to take a group of 38 nurses to Türkiye for assistance. Nightingale and her team of nurses found the conditions in the military hospital absolutely terrible (Fee & Garofalo, 2010, para. 1). The soldiers were still wearing their dirty uniforms, they were with... middle of paper...... of our holistic nursing care. Florence Nightingale, "the lady with the lamp", was truly a woman ahead of her time. References Fee, E., & Garofalo, M. E. (2010). Florence Nightingale and the Crimean War. American Journal of Public Health, 100(9), 1591. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2009.188607George JB (2002). Nursing theories: the basis for professional nursing practice. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Julie L. Alexander Monteiro, L. (1984). Florence Nightingale on public health nursing. American Journal of Public Health, 75(2), 181-186. Retrieved from http://ajph.aphapublications.org/Parker, L.M. (2001). Nursing theories and nursing practice. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis CompanySelanders, L.C. (2010). The Power of Environmental Adaptation: Florence Nightingale's Original Theory for Nursing Practice. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 28(1), 81-88. doi: 10.1177/0898010109360257