Perceptions of Empowerment in Full-Time Faculty

The purpose of this study was to examine the perception of empowerment among full-time nursing faculty using a descriptive, correlational study design. The attributes of empowerment provide essential components in building a satisfied and sustainable workplace academic environment. The Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaire (CWEQ), adapted for college nurse educators was used with a convenience sample (n = 256/732) of full-time nursing faculty who teach in associate, baccalaureate, or graduate nursing programs. The overall empowerment score was moderate. The lowest subscale was access to resources, and the highest was access to opportunity. Job satisfaction and overall empowerment were significantly related. Both formal and informal powers were significant predictors of overall empowerment. Nurse educators who reported high levels of empowerment had high levels of job satisfaction and greater opportunities in the academic environment. Barriers to empowerment included information about salary and resources in their job. Cultivating an empowering workplace will enhance retention and recruitment of nursing faculty.