Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore Rwandan nursing clinical instructors’ (CIs) experiences of structural and psychological empowerment. CIs play a vital role in students’ development by facilitating learning in health care practice environments. Quality nursing education hinges on the CI’s ability to enact a professional role. A descriptive qualitative method was used to obtain an understanding of CIs empowerment experiences in practice settings. Kanter’s Theory of Structural Power in Organizations and Spreitzer’s Psychological Empowerment Theory were used as theoretical frameworks to interpret experiences. Interview data from 21 CIs were used to complete a secondary analysis. Most participants perceived the structural components of informal power, resources, and support while formal power and opportunity were limited, diminishing their sense of structural empowerment. Psychological empowerment for CIs stemmed from a sense of competence, meaning, impact and self-determination they had for their teaching roles and responsibilities in the practice setting.
Funding statement: Canadian International Development Agency and Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.
Acknowledgements
Carroll Iwasiw, RN, EdD, Professor, Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University.
Benoite Umubyeyi, RN, PhD student, Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University.
Former A/Dean, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Rwanda (Kigali Health Institute).
Alex Tumusiime, RN, MSc., Head of Department of General Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Rwanda – Kigali Campus.
Catherine Uwimana, RN, MA, Ruli Nursing College, Rwanda.
Karen Ferguson, RN, BHSc(N), MHSc(N), Lecturer, Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University.
Janice Elliott, RN, BScN, MScN, Professor, Faculty of Human Services and Health Sciences, Fanshawe College.
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©2016 by De Gruyter
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Professional Development Needs of Novice Nursing Clinical Teachers: A Rapid Evidence Assessment
- The Introduction of “Safety Science” into an Undergraduate Nursing Programme at a Large University in the United Kingdom
- Low Back Pain in Student Nurses: Literature Review and Prospective Cohort Study
- Making the Case for Simulation-Based Assessments to Overcome the Challenges in Evaluating Clinical Competency
- Teaching and Learning Medication Calculations: A Grounded Theory of Conceptual Understanding
- Being Dementia Smart (BDS): A Dementia Nurse Education Journey in Scotland
- Student Perceptions about the Influence of a Perioperative Nursing Elective on Career Preferences
- Learning Styles: Impact on Knowledge and Confidence in Nursing Students in Simulation and Classroom
- Nursing Students’ Perceptions of Anecdotal Notes as Formative Feedback
- Examining the Importance of Admissions Criteria in Predicting Nursing Program Success
- Health Advocacy Project: Evaluating the Benefits of Service Learning to Nursing Students and Low Income Individuals Involved in a Community-Based Mental Health Promotion Project
- Failing Clinical Practice & the Unsafe Student: A New Perspective
- Nursing Clinical Instructor Experiences of Empowerment in Rwanda: Applying Kanter’s and Spreitzer’s Theories
- Review
- An Analysis of Factors Affecting Mature Age Students’ Academic Success in Undergraduate Nursing Programs: A Critical Literature Review
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Professional Development Needs of Novice Nursing Clinical Teachers: A Rapid Evidence Assessment
- The Introduction of “Safety Science” into an Undergraduate Nursing Programme at a Large University in the United Kingdom
- Low Back Pain in Student Nurses: Literature Review and Prospective Cohort Study
- Making the Case for Simulation-Based Assessments to Overcome the Challenges in Evaluating Clinical Competency
- Teaching and Learning Medication Calculations: A Grounded Theory of Conceptual Understanding
- Being Dementia Smart (BDS): A Dementia Nurse Education Journey in Scotland
- Student Perceptions about the Influence of a Perioperative Nursing Elective on Career Preferences
- Learning Styles: Impact on Knowledge and Confidence in Nursing Students in Simulation and Classroom
- Nursing Students’ Perceptions of Anecdotal Notes as Formative Feedback
- Examining the Importance of Admissions Criteria in Predicting Nursing Program Success
- Health Advocacy Project: Evaluating the Benefits of Service Learning to Nursing Students and Low Income Individuals Involved in a Community-Based Mental Health Promotion Project
- Failing Clinical Practice & the Unsafe Student: A New Perspective
- Nursing Clinical Instructor Experiences of Empowerment in Rwanda: Applying Kanter’s and Spreitzer’s Theories
- Review
- An Analysis of Factors Affecting Mature Age Students’ Academic Success in Undergraduate Nursing Programs: A Critical Literature Review