Power: an application to the nursing image and advanced practice.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Professional Development
• Healthcare Leadership

Background:

• The public perception of nurses is often outdated, portraying them as subservient rather than autonomous professionals.
• Negative media portrayals and historical stereotypes contribute to nursing's tarnished image and a sense of oppression.
• The perception and utilization of power significantly impact the professional identity and recognition of nurses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the concept of power within the nursing profession through a comprehensive literature review.
• To enhance the understanding of power dynamics for advanced practice nurses (APNs).
• To provide insights into how APNs can leverage power to advance the nursing profession and gain professional recognition.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on power in nursing.
• Analysis of scholarly articles and theoretical frameworks related to power and professional identity.
• Synthesis of findings to define and contextualize power for advanced practice nursing.

Main Results:

• The literature reveals a complex relationship between societal perceptions, self-perception, and the use of power in nursing.
• A lack of understanding and strategic use of power contributes to the perception of nurses as an occupation rather than a profession.
• Advanced practice nurses (APNs) require a robust understanding of power to assert their professional roles and advance healthcare.

Conclusions:

• Understanding and effectively wielding power is essential for advanced practice nurses (APNs) to be recognized as integral members of the healthcare profession.
• Addressing the historical image issues and improving the perception of power can elevate the status of nursing.
• Further exploration of power dynamics is recommended to empower APNs and foster professional growth within nursing.