Perceptions of structural empowerment: nurse leaders in rural health services

• Published in: Journal of nursing management Vol. 22; no. 1; pp. 29 - 37
• Main Authors: Bish, Melanie, Kenny, Amanda, Nay, Rhonda
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.01.2014; Hindawi Limited
• Subjects: empowerment; leadership; nursing; rural; Australia; empowerment; nursing; leadership; rural
• ISSN: 0966-0429; 1365-2834
• DOI: 10.1111/jonm.12029

Aim To provide insight into the perceptions of structural empowerment of nurse leaders working in rural and regional Victoria, Australia. Background Fostering nurse leadership in rural health services may be informed by gaining insight into rural nurse leaders' perceptions of structural empowerment. Method A sample of nurse executives (n = 45) from hospitals throughout rural Victoria, Australia completed the Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaire II (CWEQ‐II) aimed to measure structural empowerment. Results Rural nurse leaders' perceive themselves to be moderately empowered. Conclusion The concept of structural empowerment may be useful to inform rural leadership practices. Implications for nursing management Acknowledgement of structural empowerment by nurse leaders may assist in the process of formulating strategies to facilitate an open, honest and responsive culture of patient safety, removing silos, departmental turf issues, and professional territoriality in healthcare services.