The vital power and the legacy of Florence Nightingale in the health-disease process: integrative review

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to characterize the national scientific evidence of the last ten years about Florence Nightingale and the vital power and its applicability in nursing, and identify the concepts of vital power. Methods: It is an integrative review of the full national literature articles, through four databases. Seven articles were selected after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Analysis of the issues on the legacy of Florence and the action of the internal and external environment on the vital power emerged. Results: Most studies focused on the environment of inclusion of the individual as the vital power and strengthen this classified as inner strength. Conclusion: Nursing professionals play an essential role in observing about keeping the environment where the patient is inserted, favoring the strengthening of the vital power, highlighting the presence of the companion as strengthening this vital power in the hospitalization process.