This document discusses nurse empowerment. It defines empowerment as being given power and authority to perform one's job. Empowered nurses feel more satisfied and less burnt out. Empowerment guidelines and procedures are outlined, including recognizing nurse contributions, identifying work factors, and training nurses to make independent decisions regarding patient care and emergencies. Specific empowerments are provided such as assessing patients, developing care plans, administering treatments, and making decisions about positioning or dressings. Empowered nurses improve patient care, cost effectiveness and work effectiveness.

1. Presented by:
Jitendra Kumar
MRD Incharge

2. Introduction !
In this modern day and age, there are many challenges in healthcare. These challenges include
new types of disease or re-emergence of old diseases. However with the advancement of the
healthcare and technology, life can be saved and life prolonged. Furthermore the length of
hospitalization can be shortened. In present modern era of technology, patients are more
educated and have accessibility to information in the internet. Hence, demand for quality care
is higher. They have led to great changes in the nursing career. "Nursing began as women's
work and was a domestic role where women were expected to fulfill in the home.” But today,
nursing is different from those days. It has progressed from doctors' "handmaiden" to being a
healthcare professional. The responsibility hence, is greater to provide a more complex
nursing care. So, it is important for a nurse to be empowered and have the empowerment on
her duty. This can improve in health care and patient outcome.

3. Definition of Empowerment ?
 Empowerment means is a positive concept of a power or authority is given on doing
something. It is also associated with growth and development of a person or an organization.
Critical thinking on own thought, feeling and reason for action and in the pattern of activity are
also in the empowerment process.
 The importance of empowerment in nursing is that nurses will feel that they have the power to
authorize their job, satisfaction in their job and feel appreciated. Besides, they will feel less
worn-out also in their work. It will also enhance the care of patient outcomes.
 A powerless nurse is an ineffective nurse. Powerless nurses have more job strain compare to
empowered nurses. this is the cause of burnout in work.
 Powerless nurses are less satisfied with their jobs, and more susceptible to burnout and
depersonalization. "Lack of nursing power may also contribute to poorer patient outcomes".
Alternatively, "disempowerment, or the inability to act, creates feelings of frustration and
failure in staff nurses, even though they may still be accountable on their job“.

4. What is Empowerment?
 To operate by itself and with enthusiasm.
 Empowerment in working place provides the chances to learn and grow through the access of
information sharing, support, opportunity for advancement and resources.
 All staff nurses are working in my hospital are given chance to develop knowledge and skills.

5. Purpose of Nursing Empowerment !
 To empower nurses in decision making in relation to patient’s health care needs.
 To demonstrate autonomy and assertiveness in problem-solving approach towards patient
care.
 To empower nurses in protecting patient rights.

6. Guidelines !
 Documented Policy - REF. Document No. “HH/COP/NCOP/06b”
 It shall be carried out by a registered nurse only.
 Must be supported with the documentary evidence.

7. Procedure !
 The nursing superintendent need to identify & recognized the contributions of the staff nurses.
When the staff nurses feel appreciated, it enhance in psychological empowerment. Thus, it
will have more job satisfaction and reduced in job strain. Besides that, it is important to
identify the factors on the work environment for staff nurses towards patients to improve the
work effectiveness, cost effectiveness, and quality in patient care.

8. Empowerments !
 Empowered to do Nursing Assessment.
 Empowered to define nursing care plan (NCP).
 Empowered to administer 25% dextrose timely to manage acute hypoglycemia (RBS < 40
mg).
 Empowered to start oxygen administration in case of Spo2 is < 85%.
 Empowered to do cold sponging in case of Hyperpyrexia & high grade fever.
 Empowered to change dressing in case of wet dressing or soiled dressing.
 Empowered to make independent decision for positioning, use of comfort devices in regard to
pressure ulcer based on Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment.
 Nurses shall ensure safety of patient by ensuring appropriate hand hygiene practice by
colleagues/physicians/other staff.

9. Empowerments_ _ _ _Cont.....!
 Nurses shall participate in patient triaging and escalate immediate requirements to physicians/ senior
nurses.
 Nurses shall be trained in BLS and shall initiate CPR timely based on critical condition of the
patient.
 Nurse shall announce various hospital emergency codes based on situations.
 Empowered & motivated to report medication errors and adverse events.
 Empowered to audit infection control practices for all health care workers.
 Empowered to counsel the patient & family members regarding various treatment modalities
(Potential to fall counseling/HIC/Wound care etc.).
 Empowered to voice out any incidents of misbehavior/misconduct at workplace.
 Supported by continuing education, training, Incentives & Innovations.
 Promoting IPR (Interpersonal Relations).

10. Conclusion !
 Hospitals have taken baby steps.
 Need to think beyond a policy document.
 Empower nurses in the true sense and make them feel proud.

11.  THANK YOU