Power in individuals, groups, and the nursing profession: An Exposition

  POWER IN INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, AND THE NURSING PROFESSION: AN EXPOSITION   By : Leo Eromonsele Akioyamen (akioyale@mcmaster.ca),                      2nd year Undergraduate Nursing Student,                   School of Nursing, McMaster University,                Hamilton, Ontario, Canada    Abstract Presented in this paper is an examination of the nature of power and its implications for effective group development, team functioning and the nursing profession. Power is defined here as a relationship granting individuals the ability or authority to influence others and thereby effect change. By nursing profession, the author refers primarily to registered nurses. The introduction of the work includes a brief typology of power and a description of the role it plays in individuals’ lives. In the nursing profession, it is essential to be able to work effectively in teams to facilitate the provision of high quality care for clients. Thus, discussion shifts from individual power to the groups they come together to form with a focus on the five stages of group development. The concepts of secondary tension and power distance are included in this discussion to underscore power’s impact on the effective development of the group.  The final section of this paper includes a discussion of the impact of the misuse of power in the nursing profession and resultant abuse of nursing students and/or new graduates, as well as seasoned nurses. The summary and conclusion sections of this paper emphasize the need for nursing educators to teach and encourage team members to recognize and challenge unsettling power structures, and to advocate for themselves as well as for their clients so that all may feel empowered. Keywords: power, group process, stages of group development, nursing education, nursing practice implications   &nbsp