The use of benevolent power in nursing care

The use of benevolent power is a preferred nursing care strategy. It is contrasted with its maladaptive opposite, the malevolent use of power. It is also compared to forms of manipulation. Manipulation can rarely be a positive behavior; it has the potential, even when exercised wisely, to lead to a future malevolent exercise of power. Lack of recognition of power may result in the nurse avoiding the use of power in professional relationships. This is not beneficial to the client or the profession of nursing.