Differences in perceptions of empowerment among nationally certified and noncertified nurses.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the difference in perceptions of empowerment between nurses who were nationally certified and those who were not.


BACKGROUND
Nurses are encouraged to obtain certification in their specialty. The focus of most nursing research on certification has been on motivation to acquire certification and perceived benefits of certification. Research related to empowerment indicates that access to empowerment structures results in achievement and success.


METHODS
This descriptive comparative study used the Conditions of Work Effectiveness II Questionnaire to measure registered nurses' perceptions of empowerment. Certification status was recorded on the demographic section of the questionnaire.


RESULTS
Significant differences were noted in empowerment scores for certified and noncertified nurses as measured by the Conditions of Work Effectiveness II Questionnaire. Findings suggest that nurses who are certified have higher perceptions of empowerment. Certification may increase nurses' perceptions of empowerment and therefore improve work effectiveness.


CONCLUSIONS
Certified nurses in this study had increased access to job-related power and opportunity structures. Certification provides recognition of the nurses' knowledge and expertise in the specialty area which in turn is empowering. Organizations that support and recognize this achievement may experience improved turnover and retention rates.
Piazza
Irene M
IM
Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich, Conn, USA. irenep@greenhosp.org
Donahue
Moreen
M
Dykes
Patricia C
PC
Griffin
Mary Quinn
MQ
Fitzpatrick
Joyce J
JJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002568:Certification; D003237:Connecticut; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000145:classification / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D011209:Power, Psychological; D012649:Self Concept; D013044:Specialty Boards; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires