An Evolving Structure of Nature Immersion: Roots in Nightingale's Vital Power

Abstract

Background: In Florence Nightingale's view, vital power resides in both earthy materials and human nature and is an essential element of health. Vital power is defined as a health force that manifests in states of being while doing in nature to generate well-being, but little is known about the generative process of vital force. Purpose: This secondary study explored the vital power of children who experienced well-being while doing in nature. Methods: Using a framework of the Nature Immersion Model, directed content analysis of parental reflections on their children's vital power experiences sought to explore patterns of being while doing in nature observed in association with parental reports of: (a) change in their children's well-being and (b) qualities of vital power evident in parental descriptions of those changes in well-being. Conclusions: The essence of vital power encompassed feelings of a life-spark, natural energy that prompted a healing shift. Implications for Practice: Linkage between a middle-range Theory of Nature Immersion and Nightingale's perspective adds a new avenue for integrating the spiritual–physical–mental dimension of self during creative nursing praxis.