Nurses who have the ability to control their practice
and environment work in an empowered organization.
Competence, which is achieved
through education and staff member development,
is a precursor for both autonomy and power. It
refers to confidence in one’s abilities to effectively
perform job functions and is also known as
self-efficacy. Self-determination, similar to autonomy,
refers to feelings of control that are exerted
over one’s work. Professional empowerment can
be enhanced and maintained through knowledge
development, which is acquired through education
and expertise. Continuing education and certification
are a means to achieve knowledge.