chapter 17: understaning use of power

Question 1

what is power?

Answer 1

the ability to influence others through the use of energy and strength
- power must be developed as a skill
- a chain of command can be referred to as a “chain of power”

Question 2

power in health care exists in several forms

Answer 2

• power to buy and sell smaller agencies
• power to alter work schedules, control raises
• power to give or not to give safe and effective nursing care

Question 3

power types are also referred to as

Answer 3

power bases

Question 4

expert

Answer 4

• based on expert knowledge
• strongest power base for nursing
• positive, non aggressive way to have power

Question 5

reward

Answer 5

• person with this type of power has the ability to give reward to others
• can be used to manipulate others
• should use the rewards fairly to motivate
• brown nosing

Question 6

coercion

Answer 6

manager has reward power and uses it to intentionally hurt and punish others

Question 7

informational

Answer 7

person w/ the knowledge has the power

Question 8

legitimate

Answer 8

• person has earned the power that actually accompanies a job and its responsibilities
• based on knowledge, hard work, high level, and title
• based on the authority someone higher in the chain of command has given to a nurse

Question 9

referent

Answer 9

develops from feelings of admiration and respect for another person

Question 10

negative uses of power

Answer 10

promote one’s own agenda w/ no regard for the larger group

Question 11

power struggles

Answer 11

when two people want opposite outcomes and refuse to cooperate

Question 12

positive uses of power

Answer 12

• using knowledge of healing to affect another’s life positively
• caring and professional application of management theory
• power is positive when used to promote and influence the greater good

Question 13

self empowerment

Answer 13

• manager must understand the importance of self empowerment and teh ability to support self empowerment in others

Question 14

self empowerment ladder

Answer 14

• self confidence: comes from within self and contributions from external world
• ability to control life situations: avoid being a victim of situations or people
• attitude change: negative self talk stops
• focus on others’ strengths and not their weaknesses
• be a risk taker
• be creative
• resolve conflict
• show initiative
• ultimately become empowered

Question 15

supporting self empowerment in others

Answer 15

• important to assist others in developing self empowerment as well
• important part of a nurse manager’s job
• strong caring behavior

Question 16

powerlessness

Answer 16

sense of helplessness

Question 17

personal powerlessness

Answer 17

brings about feelings of frustration, decreases energy, and defeats spirit