The ability to influence patient care outcomes depends on a variety of forces, each of which the nurse must consider in order to influence care outcomes in an ethically appropriate manner. The introductory articles in the topic, “The Power to Influence Patient Care,” have already defined and described power. This Ethics Column will focus on the forces each individual nurse will want to consider in obtaining the power needed to practice in an ethical manner. These forces include nursing knowledge and skills, an understanding of ethical principles and models, good relationships with patients and the health care team, and the communication skills to nurture these relationships.