Generally speaking, women have always had a lesser say in society, and have often been regarded as the âpowerlessâ gender. In the field of nursing, the term âpowerâ may have numerous meanings, one of them being the influence of a nurseâs caring practices on the patients (Manojlovich, 2007). The knowledge and skills that nurses possess have a significant impact on patient care. This is why it is necessary for them to comprise this trait, so that their power can influence patients, physicians, and other nurses too.
There are many factors that influence nursesâ power over their practice. These include social, educational, and cultural factors. Nurses without power are said to be âineffectiveâ, and have also been seen less satisfied with their jobs (Manojlovich, 2007). There may be certain elements due to which nurses may not show levels of power; one of them being the association of power with masculinity. 95% of nurses are females, due to which holding any type of âpowerâ seems inappropriate, because females have always had a lower position in society. But in the case of nurses, they need to acknowledge their power in order to control their professional practice.
The empowerment of nurses results from the environment at the workplace, where the social structure is such that nurses are encouraged to work with maximum satisfaction, and more effectively. Chandler, in the year 1992, declared that empowerment of nurses does not pertain only to the influence or authority of the nurses, but is more importantly linked to the relationships of the nurses and patients. Even the outcomes of the patients are affected negatively if there is insufficient influence of the nurses on them and their treatment.
An atmosphere of excellence needs to be created for the nurses at work, so that they may give optimal outcomes, along with the attainment of patient care. The professional practice of the nurses automatically affects the health and results of patients (Girard, et al., 2005). The empowerment of nurses does not only imply the pressure of the nurses on the patients, rather, it is a whole process of understanding the inner self, and knowing and enhancing the amount of self confidence that persists within. It is necessary for empowered nurses to see themselves as strong and capable individuals (Perez, 2002). Once they recognize their strengths, and ignore their weaknesses, they can create an atmosphere in which there is immense confidence. Whichever way the nurses react in treating their patients, the outcome of the patients will be attained accordingly. Those nurses, who are empowered and believe in the confidence that lies within them, are more likely to provide better client care, and work more effectively, as compared to those nurses who feel low about themselves.
A feeling of self-esteem in any ordinary individual affects the way he or she performs; therefore the same would apply in the case of a nurse, the greater the feeling of empowerment, the better will be the performance at work. This would help achieve professional success in the long run. Empowerment includes the behaviors of both the giving party and the receiving group, and also varies with the positions of the nurses according to the designations. A head nurse having higher power and authority would be a better performer than subordinates. However, it is essential for any nurse employed at an institute, to be highly empowered, if she is to excel in her profession.
References
- Chandler, G. E. (1992). The source and process of empowerment. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 16(3), 65-71.
- Girard, F., Linton, N., & Besner, J. (2005). Professional Practice in Nursing: A Framework.
- Hassan, F. Work Empowerment as Perceived by Nurses and Physicians Working at National Heart Institute.
- Manojlovich, M. (2007) Power and Empowerment in Nursing: Looking Backward to Inform the Future.
- Perez, P. (2002). In My Opinion: Empowering Women to Give Birth. Web.