Florence Nightingale Effect

The "Florence Nightingale Effect" is when a doctor, nurse or other caregiver develops feelings for his patient. It is named for Florence Nightingale, a pioneer in the field of nursing in the second half of the 19th century.

Identification

A feeling much like infatuation, love or sexual attraction comes over the caregiver regarding a patient, even if very little communication or contact takes place outside of basic care. Feelings may fade once the patient recovers.

Effect vs. Syndrome

The Florence Nightingale Effect and the Florence Nightingale Syndrome are often considered to be the same thing. But the syndrome can also reference chronic fatigue syndrome, from which Nightingale is said to have suffered. Some consider her the first known case of CFS.

Effects

The Florence Nightingale Effect is not recognized as a medical condition; rather, it is a pop culture name given to a situation. It is considered unethical in the medical profession for a provider to become involved with a patient, and doing so could result in termination of the caregiver.

Behind the Name

The Florence Nightingale Effect is named after Nightingale because of her passion for caregiving. She was known as "the lady of the lamp" because she would check on patients even at night (something not done before). Her care would forever change the way hospitals treated patients.

Fun Fact

There is no record of Florence Nightingale having ever fallen in love with one of her patients. In fact, despite some offers, she never married for fear it might interfere with her calling for nursing.

Misconceptions

Many misunderstand the Florence Nightingale Effect as meaning the opposite, in which a patient falls in love with the caregiver, not the other way around.

References

• Spartacus Educational: Florence Nightingale
• Solar Navigator: Florence Nightingale Biography
• NurseLink: Florence Nightingale, Her Call to Care