As nurses, it is important that we “are both empowered and competent actors in patient empowerment.” (Burkhardt and Nathaniel, 2014, p. 493) We have taken an oath to follow a code of ethics that requires us to act as an advocate for our patients while providing safe nursing care. However, we cannot make all medical choices or decisions for them. Nor can we empower them, “because that removes the element of choice.” (Burkhardt and Nathaniel, 2014, p. 501) We can, however, “facilitate empowerment by working directly with patients and addressing the social, political, and environmental factors that affect the empowerment of individuals and communities.” (Burkhardt and Nathaniel, 2014, p. 493) In this article, I will discuss how nurses can provide empowerment, some issues and constraints affecting empowerment, and how I feel about empowerment on my workplace. Empowering Patients In order to facilitate patient empowerment, we must first be in a position of empowerment. It forces us to reflect on our own values, beliefs and ideas of power. “Nurses must also let go of their need for control and instead develop attitudes of collaboration and mutual participation in decision-making. » (Burkhardt & Nathaniel, 2014, p. 517) We must understand that patients have the right to make their own decisions even if they differ from ours. Respecting each other's thoughts, feelings and decisions creates a relationship of trust. We must be able to listen openly to our patients' needs and communicate effectively in order to empower our patients. They need to know that we listen to them, that we understand, and that we will provide them with the knowledge and information they need to make their own choices. We must first be middle of paper by being role models of empowerment. (Burkhardt & Nathaniel, 2014, p. 520) Many constraints and problems can affect the empowerment process. As nurses, we must address the “social, political, and environmental factors that affect empowerment” in order to provide the highest quality nursing care. It is important to remember that “empowerment is an essential part of nursing.” (Burkhardt and Nathaniel, 2014, p. 521)ReferencesBurkhardt, MA and Nathaniel, AK (2014). Ethics and issues in contemporary nursing (4th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning. LaSala, CA and Bjarnason, D. (September 2010). Create work environments that support moral courage. Retrieved from http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Vol152010/No3-Sept-2010/Workplace-Environments-and-Moral-Courage.html