Power’s Presence in Nurse Education

Abstract

The notion of power has long been discussed in literature. There continues to exist a vast number of ideas as to what power really is and means. The author here discusses some early notions of power from the philosophical literature where there is debate as to whether power is innate or earned and bestowed upon persons. The potential for power as well as powers need for support from others is then examined in light of the nursing educational arena. Parse’s humanbecoming school of thought also enlightens beliefs on power through the teaching-learning model as well as within the third principle of humanbecoming. These humanbecoming aspects are discussed regarding their presence or role in nursing academia. The column concludes with the notion that possibly the most important power possessed by all is the power to choose.