Power to Make a Difference

The Power to Make a Difference We stick outnot empower another, because to presume to do so removes the element of choice (Burkhardt & Nathaniel, 2008, p. 471). Although agrees may not be able to empower patients, they stinker, through the process of authority, enable patients to speak up. Nurses can help patients develop an aw arness of areas that need change and support the inclination to take action. Approaching a patient as an equal mate allows for collaboration and aids in communication which is necessary to facilitate the authorization process.Nurses should remember to avoid imposing personal value on their patients. sometimes it is difficult for nurses to relinquish control and accept decisions patients agree for themselves. Nurses can eluding the power to the patient by focusing on the patients self-determined needs. Improving a persons ability to understand and take away his or her own health and disease, negotiate with different cadres of health professionals, an d sweep the complexities of health is crucial to achieving better health outcomes (Patient empowerment, 2012, p. 50). There are institutional and professional constraints affecting nursing and patient empowerment. Nurses need to understand such barriers and appreciate that not everyone wants to take the risks and assume the responsibility that empowerment demands (Burkhardt & Nathaniel, 2008, p. 488). One barrier to fostering empowerment is a paternalistic status causing the patient, to solely, rely on the decisions that healthcare providers make for them. A nurses un unforcedness to share decision-making power with the patient can cramp empowerment.Fear of being labeled by staff could also keep patients from insist their power. Economic factors can welcome an effect on limitation of resources which can hinder empowerment. Transcultural and spiritual issues do play a fibre in empowerment. How one thinks and responds to a situation, is based on cultural beliefs and values. To be sensitive to transcultural issues, one must be self-aware. It is helpful for nurses to be knowledgeable about cultural differences and their importance in interactions with healthcare.A nurse should listen, be open-minded and nonjudgmental about patients values, beliefs, and religious practices in order to make appropriate care plans. When patients feel accepted, valued and respected, they are more willing to participate in their care and make decisions that are congruent with their values and beliefs. I work in a facility that has created councils that nurses can join. done the preparation, Practice and Operation councils, policies and guidelines of practice can be examined, discussed and changed as necessary. Education in cultural diversity has also been required to help nurses incur aware of cultural differences.Administrative rounding and town hall meetings have helped employees with questions and concerns and have helped them to feel as though they have a voice in the dec ision making process. Because change can be slow, nurses can sometimes feel frustrated, but having an avenue through which change can snuff it brings the sense of empowerment and, therefore, increases job satisfaction. References Burkhardt, M. A. , & Nathaniel, A. K. (2008). Ethics and Issues in Contemporary nurse (3 ed. ). Clifton Park, NY Thomas Delmar Learning. Patient empowerment who empowers whom?. (2012, August 18). The Lancet, 380, 65