“My colleagues feel even better about the
“Empowerment is not about control; it’s
care they’re providing in the MPCU,” says Kate.
about earning the trust of your colleagues to do
“Being able to do what’s best for these patients
things better for patients,” says Kate. “I believe
makes them feel very good. It’s another example
my experience in leading this initiative has also
of how knowledge is power.” It’s also an example
helped make me a better nurse.” Kate began her
of empowerment at its best.
nursing career in the MPCU just three-and-a-half
years ago. Today, she is a Clinical Nurse IV on the
Kate was given the opportunity to get
things done; to make a difference in how she —
unit. More than ever, she is in a position to help
and all her colleagues — can enhance yet another
empower others.
aspect of patient care and safety. It was a chance
to share knowledge, to enjoy a greater sense of
sometimes need a little help to shape that idea
satisfaction in being a nurse; and to help make a
or to appreciate how that idea can have a greater
great health care unit even better.
impact on patient care,” says Kate. “I try to point
“Nurses have great ideas, but they
them toward resources that can turn those ideas
“Empowerment is
about earning the trust
of your colleagues to
do things better for the
patients.”
into reality. It’s a chance to pay things forward. R
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