Lack of involvement in practice-related decision making is a major source of nurses’ job dissatisfaction (Kramer & Schmalenberg 2003). Magnet hospitals, considered gold standards for healthy work environments, have professional practice models that promote control over nursing practice (CNP) (Kramer & Schmalenberg 2003). Control over nursing practice is ‘decentralized, shared decision making’ (Kramer et al. 2008, p. 540). Control over nursing practice is also a structural empowerment strategy (Laschinger & Havens 1996). ‘Empowerment involves learning how to take the initiative and to respond creatively to the challenges of the job’ (Laschinger et al. 2004, p. 527). Structural empowerment refers to employees’ access to information, resources, supports and opportunities through formal or informal lines of power. Formal power includes organizational roles and responsibilities, and informal power includes networks among peers and colleagues (Kanter 1977). Structural empowerment predicts nurses’ job satisfaction (Laschinger et al. 2001); decision involvement (Laschinger et al. 1997); and trust and respect in management (Laschinger & Finegan 2005). Structural empowerment strategies may serve as a buffer during times of work environment duress (Laschinger et al. 2004), and influence nurses’ perceptions of a positive patient safety climate (Armstrong & Laschinger 2006). Laschinger and Havens (1996) found significant positive associations between nurses’ perceptions of structural empowerment and their perceptions of CNP. Other research established a significant link between magnet hospital environments, nurses’ access to empowerment structures and improved nurse outcomes, such as job satisfaction (Laschinger et al. 2003). The research evidence supports the importance of using structural empowerment strategies, such as shared decision making, to create magnet-like practice environments that enhance nurses’ outcomes.