Breaking the Cycle of Oppression: Lessons for Nurse Practitioners?

The oppressed group behavior model suggests that persons who are in groups that are subordinate to more powerful groups in their society learn certain behavior patterns that, although necessary for their survival, lead to a cycle of further oppression. Nurses have been considered an oppressed group. This article explores the implications of oppressed group behavior for nurse practitioners. Strategies for changing the cycle of oppression are described that can empower nurse practitioners and lead them to greater unity and control over their own practices.