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Aim. In this paper we explore the congruence of focus group interviews within a phenomenological framework. Background. Focus groups as a research method are popular in nursing. Similarly, phenomenology is a dominant methodology for nurse researchers globally. A number of nurse researchers have combined focus groups and phenomenology, but there are others who argue that they are incompatible. Discussion. The argument against using focus groups in phenomenological research is that phenomenology seeks essential characteristics or 'essences' of phenomena in a manner that requires an individual to describe their experiences in an 'uncontaminated' way. We recognize that traditionally most phenomenological interviews are conducted with only one interviewer and one respondent, but we question whether this needs to continue. We suggest means by which individual lived experience can be preserved within a group context. We draw on our own experience and the phenomenological literature to argue that focus groups are congruent with phenomenological research and extend this argument further by proposing that group interviews in phenomenology are actually beneficial because they stimulate discussion and open up new perspectives. Our observation is that some researchers who combine focus groups and phenomenology appear to do so uncritically and we argue that this is unacceptable. Conclusions. It is important for nurse researchers to develop critical awareness of the research methodologies and methods they employ. We argue that the phenomenological focus group is not an oxymoron. Rather, the use of focus groups can provide a greater understanding of the phenomenon under study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. This paper is a discussion of the use of poststructuralism as a means of exploring power and empowerment in nursing. Background. Power and empowerment are well-researched areas of nursing practice, but the issue of how to empower nurses and patients continues to cause debate. Power and empowerment are complex issues and other researchers have provided some clarity by proposing three theoretical approaches: critical social theory, organizational theory and social psychological theory. We support their work and propose an additional poststructural approach as a means of analyzing power and empowerment in nursing. Discussion. The concept of power in nursing may be critiqued by drawing on the work of Michel Foucault and paying particular attention to two areas: disciplinary power and knowledge/power relationships. Foucault's contention was that behaviour is standardized through disciplinary power and that power and knowledge are intertwined. Nurses who seek an understanding of empowerment must first grasp such workings as hierarchical observation, normalizing judgement, the examination, and power/knowledge relationships, and that cognizance of such issues can promote nursing practice that is empowering. They need to adopt a more critical stance to understanding power and empowerment in nursing, and one way of fostering such criticism is to view nursing practice through a poststructural lens. Conclusion. A poststructural approach merits a place alongside other approaches to understanding power and empowerment in nursing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. This paper is a report of a study to explore the phenomenon of empowerment cross-culturally by comparing the situations in which nursing students from the United Kingdom and Japan experienced empowerment and disempowerment in clinical practice. Background. Empowerment has been the focus of many studies, but most focus on the experience of Registered Nurses and few have explored the phenomenon crossculturally. Method. This was a cross-cultural, comparative study using the critical incident technique. Anonymous written data were collected from nursing students in Japan and United Kingdom between November 2005 and January 2006. Japanese data were translated and back-translated. Analysis of the transcripts revealed three themes: Learning in Practice, Team Membership, Power. Findings. Nursing students in these countries are exposed to different educational and clinical environments, but their experiences of empowerment and disempowerment are similar. For both, learning in practice, team membership and power are associated with either empowerment or disempowerment; depending on the context. United Kingdom students are aware of the importance of acting as patient advocates, although they cannot always find the voice to perform this. Japanese students however, appear to be unaware of the concept of advocacy. Conclusion. Student nurse empowerment may transcend cultural differences, and learning in practice, team membership and power may be important for the empowerment of nursing students globally. Further cross-cultural exploration is required into the association between advocacy and empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. This paper is a report of a study to explore the meaning of empowerment for nursing students in relation to their clinical practice experiences. Background. Empowerment and power are well-researched areas of nursing practice, particularly in relation to Registered Nurses. Furthermore, several studies have considered the experiences of nursing students in terms of nursing culture and socialization. However, few researchers have focused specifically on nursing student empowerment. Method. The critical incident technique was used and anonymous data were collected between November 2005 and January 2006. One hundred and nine written critical incidents were provided by 66 nursing students relating to empowering and disempowering experiences in clinical practice. The data were content analysed. Findings. Nursing students experience both empowerment and disempowerment in clinical placements, centring on three issues: learning in practice, team membership and power. Continuity of placement, the presence of a mentor and time underpinned empowering experiences whereas their absence had a disempowering effect. Conclusion. The consequences of nursing student empowerment are high self-esteem, motivation for learning and positive regard for placement. Supportive mentors play a pivotal role in the empowerment of nursing students and it is essential for the nursing profession that they are supported to undertake their mentorship role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]