Benevolent power

J Pract Nurs. 2005 Winter;55(4):5-9.

Abstract

The nurse's ability to use "benevolent power" can be a very useful tool in relating to patients. Use of "benevolent power" takes advantage of the nurse's power and authority by virtue of positions. However, rather than focusing on the nurse's needs or manipulating the patient in a negative way, use of"benevolent power" allows the nurse to respond to the patient situation in a way which is beneficial and positive for the patient.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Authoritarianism
  • Beneficence*
  • Communication
  • Empathy
  • Humans
  • Informed Consent / ethics
  • Informed Consent / psychology
  • Knowledge
  • Machiavellianism
  • Morals
  • Motivation
  • Nurse's Role / psychology*
  • Nurse-Patient Relations* / ethics
  • Patient Advocacy / ethics
  • Patient Advocacy / psychology
  • Patient Education as Topic / ethics
  • Philosophy, Nursing
  • Postmodernism
  • Power, Psychological*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Professional Competence
  • Self Concept
  • Social Support
  • Trust / psychology