Impact of Psychological Empowerment on Workplace Bullying and Intent to Leave

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to understand the association of psychological empowerment (PE) with workplace bullying and intent to leave among nurse leaders. BACKGROUND: Nurse leaders who experience bullying cope in varied ways. Some leaders have higher levels of empowerment and resilience, whereas others are more negatively impacted by bullying. METHODS: This study used a descriptive, cross-sectional survey design. Instruments used in the study included 2 PE tools: a bullying instrument and an intent-to-leave tool. The analysis tested for bivariate correlations and used analysis of variance to discern differences among nurse leaders. RESULTS: PE was negatively correlated with both bullying and intent to leave. Chief nursing officers and directors had significantly higher PE than did nurse managers, but there was no significant difference in intent to leave among the leader groups. CONCLUSIONS: PE may help protect against the impact of bullying. Continued development of leaders to strengthen their PE is needed.