EMPOWERMENT AND COMMITMENT OF NURSES IN LONG-TERM-CARE

The need for empowered professional nurses is one of the most pressing issues facing nurse executives today. The purpose of this research wa s to explore the relationship between perceived job-related empowermen t and organizational commitment among three groups of nurses working i n long-term care institutions. Findings suggest that nurses in long-te rm care may develop different behaviors and attitudes based on their a ccess to opportunity, information, resources/supplies, and support in the work environment. Findings also support the notion that powerful l eaders can remove barriers to access and help their subordinates to pe rform their work successfully. Nursing leaders should recognize the ch ange required in their role to facilitate clinical nurses' empowerment . The process of caring can be fostered by a managerial philosophy tha t supports an empowerment approach.