This document discusses nurse empowerment. It defines empowerment as giving power or authority to do something which allows for growth. Empowering nurses gives them power over their work, improves job satisfaction, and enhances patient outcomes. The document outlines guidelines and procedures for empowering nurses, such as recognizing their contributions, training them in skills like CPR, and allowing them to make independent decisions regarding patient care and safety. The conclusion states that while hospitals have policies on empowerment, more needs to be done to truly empower nurses and make them feel proud in their work.

1. SURJEET K. THAKUR
ACS, GDM, MBA, PGDBA (HC&HA), INASH & NHQC (NABH-QCI)
GM – Quality & Operations
Presented by:
www.hartejhospital.com www.facebook.com/hartejhospitals

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.  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.
Procedure:Empowerments !

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

11. THANK YOU