[Nurses' knowledge of aspects of the trade union system]

The democratisation of the work place has implications for the nursing profession where conflict exists between the registered nurse as employee and professional practitioner with related professional-ethical responsibilities, and membership of a trade union with access to industrial action. It appears as if trade unions have recruited a significant number of nurses as members over the last few years. The aim with this research is to determine the knowledge of registered nurses with regard to aspects related to trade unions. An exploratory and descriptive research design was followed, utilising a structured questionnaire in a survey to determine the knowledge of registered nurses on certain aspects related to trade unions, within the context of hospitals in Gauteng and in the Free State. The study reveals inadequate knowledge of registered nurses regarding aspects related to trade unions (average percentage of knowledge is 33.8%) and empowerment through education in this regard seems necessary.