Identification of personal sources of power among student nurses

Power is the ability to influence others. Power in nurses is very essential for effective work role performance and autonomous decision making; the analysis of inner self serves a base for building the leadership image among nurses.

Descriptive and exploratory research design was used to conduct the study. The sample comprised of 97 IV year B. Sc. Nursing students from selected College of nursing, Chennai. Data was collected through selfadministered Rating scale on identification of personal sources of power. Psychometric properties of the tool were established. Results: The personal sources of power identified by nursing students were their personal image (60%), communication (56%), their capability (39%) and leadership qualities (34%). Majority of the students (86%) found new sources of power during their assessment. Attitude towards self, knowledge, communication and networking were identified as their resources to expand their power. Most of the students chose to empower their self as a plan to improve power.

Thus, the student nurses were able to explore their sources of power and these novice nurses can be empowered through grooming their personal image and communication skills that might greatly enhance their organizational commitment and job satisfaction.