Working in an EBL group Essays

Working in an EBL group Essays Working in an EBL group Paper Working in an EBL group Paper The other important concept in the profession of nursing is the empowerment of nurses themselves. Empowerment of nurses, like that of clients holds the importance of autonomy and independence. A nurses empowerment is mainly defined by the use of Kanters (1993) theory of organizational empowerment, where in order to feel empowered the nurse must be able to have access to information, support, resources and opportunities to grow and develop with the nursing environment (Lashinger and Wong 1999). These empowering structures have a personal effect on the nurse, causing the nurse to have more feelings of independence and self of this is during my clinical placement, nurses go on study days to help in their professional development. Empowerment of nurses also brings accountability which is ability to give explanation for ones actions. Accountability is becoming more and more detrimental to the health field and is playing a bigger role in the outcome of empowerment. Education and training is important in the process of empowering the nurse. Education causes knowledge and skill, which allow the nurse to first provide healthcare and second know the reason behind what he or she is doing, which empowers the nurse as knowledge is a precursor to feeling in control (Dooher and Byrt 2003). One of the hurdles in the empowerment of nurses is the tendency to rely on the management. One of the hindrances of empowerment is caused by hierarchy within the situation, whether it is between the client and nurse or the client and management. A further challenge resides not so much in the obstacles to achieving nurse empowerment but in the likely consequences of it. That is there are risks involved for those who are sufficiently empowered to speak up and challenge vested political and economic interests as part of a broader health promotion role (Kendel 2004). A final point worthy of consideration concerns not so much the challenge of empowering nurses, but the issue of empowering patients in a care setting, facilitating the ability for them to exert greater control over their care and decision making may not always be appropriate and desirable. In spite of the arguments, there is the underlying assumption that by acting in an empowering way, health professionals will become more effective and people will become healthier (Kendel 2004). In conclusion, nurses power may arise from three components: a workplace that has the requisite structures that promote empowerment; a psychological belief in ones ability to be empowered; and acknowledgement that there is power in the relationships and caring that nurses provide. (Jack 1995) REFLECTION on EBL Reflection has been defined by Taylor (2000) as: The throwing back of thoughts and memories, in cognitive acts such as thinking, contemplation, meditation and any other form of attentive consideration, in order to make sense of them, and so make contextually appropriate changes if they are required. In order to reflect on the process of the presentation, I will adapt the Gibbss reflective cycle. Description  As a group the concept of empowerment was given to us. A chair, a scribe and time keeper was appointed. We also divided the group into three sub group because it was a large group. On the first session, list of things was achieved which includes ground rules, different definition of empowerment, means, importance of and the pro and cons of empowerment. Each sub group was then allocated a topic to research and report back with. On the second session every sub group delivered their findings to the whole group but we still lacked the major points. These lead to delayed progression of the work. Decision was reached to use PowerPoint presentation and for each sub group to type their work and send it to the scribe. On the last session, we still lacked some major information but managed to put the whole work together. On the whole there was a lot of ideas and information but we lacked organisation. We had no time for practice run. The presentation was done but on reflection, our weakness and strengths was well acknowledged. Feelings  I often felt anxious and uncertain about what the group are expected to do. I felt that everyone wanted their piece of work to be used. I thought that the time allocated to the presentation was limited. I strongly believe that the group put a lot of time and effort into the process but did not show this at sometimes. I felt unable to assert my views, so I avoided open conflict in favour of an outwardly harmonious team. Looking back I wish I had the courage to challenge some views being expressed. According to Johns and Freshwater (2005) that the process of learning is experiential and it not on a conceptual level. Evaluation  The aims of the presentation were clearly stated. We had a clear indication of the purpose in the introduction. Although we had appropriate delivery of presentation, but it could have been developed using variation in the PowerPoint presentation. We should have assessed and looked at how the information was verbally presented. It was a good group work and we worked well to develop the contents, however material represented was often not referenced and on occasions unclear. We also had limited links to practice. Nevertheless, we provided quite a background to empowerment and overall, this proved to be a positive experience that made me learn to adapt to the circumstances around me. Analysis  Working in an EBL group helped me to develop and practice the skills of communication like listening, eye contact, tone of voice and team working that are essential for caring for patients in my practice area. Johns and Freshwater (2005) emphasis that communication group learning and guidance takes place through dialogue and the first art is listening. It helped me to make joined and collective decision making. I was able to learn how to share tasks and responsibilities. I acquired the knowledge of negotiation and reflection as a group. Through it, I learnt concept of empowerment as a whole. In relation to my clinical experience, I will be able to share information, knowledge and skills which will help me to participate in patient self empowerment and decision making. My own process of learning has improved dramatically through this process. Conclusion We could have focused more in analysing and looking at the concept of empowerment. We should have ensured that the aims identified were properly addressed and explored other variation of PowerPoint presentation. The link to practice could have also been clearly demonstrated. According to Johns and Freshwater (2005) reflecting on experience after event draws insights that may inform your future practice in a positive way. Action plan  If in the same situation, I will suggest to the group that we be less descriptive and provide more analysis of the concept of empowerment. To use a more coherent approach when presenting and allow time for practice run and communicate more. In regards to me as the chair, I will be more assertive in a different way. REFERENCES 1. Dooher, J and Byrt, R. (2003) Empowerment and the Health service User. Vol 2 Quay Books London. 2. Gibbs, G. (1994) Learning by doing: A guide to teaching and learning methods. Further education Unit. Oxford University. 3. Gibson, H.C. (1991) A concept analysis of Empowerment. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 16, 354-361. 06/04/07. 4. Jack, R. (1995) Empowerment in Community Care. Chapman and Hall. London. 5. Johns, C and Freshwater, D. (2005) Transforming Nursing through Reflective Practice. Blackwell Publishing. Oxford. 6. Kanter, H. (1993) The Theory of Organisational Empowerment. Galerie Hellingman. London.