Empowering Nursing Students

In nursing, empowerment can enable nurses to raise concerns about patient safety and do so in a safe and supportive environment. Furthermore, empowering patients to gain more ownership of their health can positively influence both nurses and patients. This narrative review focused on the importance of empowering nursing students. The literature has determined that nursing students should feel valued and be treated equally and should work in an environment that is open and transparent to feel empowered. Fear of retaliation may prevent nursing students from speaking out about poor care and practices. Moreover, co-developing care and support regimens with service users benefited both nursing students and patients, as well as local communities, reduced stress and burnout, and allowed patients to self-care and act in their own best interests.