Empowering nurses for politically astute change in the workplace

While studies of the shortage of nurses have documented the need for nurses to play a greater role in decision-making processes in their workplaces, it cannot be assumed that nurses have the confidence or skills for making changes in the workplace in politically astute ways that will be effective. This article describes a continuing education program that was designed to prepare nurses to realize their potential power and to develop skills for effectively bringing about changes in their workplaces. Based on a feminist model of empowerment, the program content and methods reflected three dimensions of empowerment: consciousness-raising, building self-esteem, and skill development. Both short- and long-term evaluations (immediate and at 7 months) demonstrated that education can be a vehicle for empowering nurses to effectively bring about changes in their workplaces. The program was sponsored by the Manitoba Nurses Union, The University of Manitoba Continuing Education Division, and The University of Manitoba School of Nursing.