Chapter 10

Power, Politics, and Influence

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Objectives

Explore concepts of professional and legislative politics.

Value the concept of power related to leadership and management.

Use different types of power in nursing leadership.

Develop a power image for effective leadership.

Choose appropriate strategies for exercising power.

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Focus on Power

Power Influence Empowerment

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Strategies for a Powerful Image

Self-image: Present a poised and positive image to oneself and to the rest of the world.

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Grooming and Dress

Grooming and dress are critical to a powerful image. Wrinkled scrubs and messy hair do not contribute to a powerful image.

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Grooming and Dress (Cont.)

Hair, makeup, and jewelry should be appropriate to the situation.

Clothing must look professional and appropriate to the setting.

Business casual is not an invitation to wear jeans.

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Speech

Speech is a powerful aspect of image. Pay attention to tone of voice, pace of speech,

and volume. The words one says are important; how those

words are spoken is even more important.

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Body Language

Body language is critical to a powerful image. Gestures, posture, and body position

contribute to the image one projects.

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Believing

That power is a positive force for nurses That being a powerful nurse is a professional

asset and is critical to one’s positive professional image

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The Profession of Nursing

It is critical to value nursing as a profession, not just a job, and to view nursing as one’s career, not just a job.

Never think of oneself as “just a nurse.” Never discourage others from considering

nursing as a career; be a nursing booster!

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Continuing Education

Value continuing education in nursing to grow as a professional.

Commit to lifelong learning in nursing.

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Attitude Toward Others

Be honest; it is a critical professional behavior. Be courteous even when others are not. Greet patients, family members, and colleagues

with a handshake and eye contact.

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Smile!

Smile when appropriate. Smiling puts people at ease, especially when they are under stress.

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Responsibility

Accept responsibility for your own mistakes and learn from them. This is professional accountability, and it is powerful.

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Risk

Be a risk taker. Expand your horizons in nursing. Join a

nursing organization, then run for office or volunteer for a committee.

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Networking and Mentoring

Network! Join nursing organizations and get to know nurses outside of where you work.

Be proactive in sharing business cards with those in your professional network.

Be a mentor (formally or informally).

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Accepting Criticism

Take constructive criticism gracefully. Learn to let destructive or unwarranted

criticism “roll off your back.”

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Are You Politically Astute?

Self-assessment: I am registered to vote. I know where my voting precinct is located. I know the names of my senators in Washington. I know the name of the state center from my

district. I know which senators are supportive of nursing.

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Building Political Skills

Build a relationship with a legislator. Be an active member of an organization. Run for office in your organizations, your

community, your legislature. Develop expertise in shaping policy. Seek appointed positions.

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Tips

Become an active member of selected nursing organizations, especially one’s state nurses association and a specialty organization (e.g., special role organization or clinical specialty organization)

Develop a powerful personal/professional self-image

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Tips (Cont.)

Invest in your nursing career by continuing your education in nursing.

Make nursing your career, not just a job. Develop networking skills. Be visible and competent in the organizations

in which you work and network.

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