Relational and Motivational Factors of Nursing Empowerment in an Acute Care Hospital

Abstract

The Purpose of this study is to examine the difference in perceptions of the motivational and relational components of nursing empowerment between baccalaureate- and associate-prepared nurses employed in a medium-sized hospital in Iowa. All staff nurses working at least half time were invited to participate in the study. Twenty-one respondents are associated prepared and fifteen are baccalaureate-prepared. In this descriptive study responses from a three-part tool developed by Becker (1989) consisting of the RN Growth and Development Survey, the Professional Practice Survey, and the Survey of Professional Practice Environment are analyzed using independent "t" tests. There is not a statistically significant (p<.05) difference noted in perceptions based on educational preparation for the motivational or relational component of empowerment. In addition, the variables of age and experience are analyzed with no significant difference noted with age. However, there is a significant difference in responses from nurses with more than ten years of experience for both the motivational and relational components of empowerment. Future researchers should include both the motivational and relational components when identifying and implementing strategies to support nursing empowerment.