Final answer:
The nurse has 'Connection' power due to the ability to socialize with high-level hospital executives, which provides a network that can be used to influence decisions or access resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
The staff nurse in the scenario you presented possesses "Connection" power.
This is evident from the nurse's statement about having dinner with influential figures such as the Chief of Medical Staff and the President of the hospital.
The nurse's ability to engage socially with high-ranking individuals at the hospital provides a network of valuable connections that can be leveraged to influence decisions or gain access to resources.
In organizations, those with connection power have a personal network that they can tap into to influence outcomes or gain support.
This is different from expert power, which is based on skills, knowledge or expertise; legitimate power, which is based on a formal position; and reward power, which is based on the ability to give something of value, such as promotions or raises.
In conclusion, having a relationship with key figures does not necessarily grant one legitimate authority or expert status, but it does provide a way to reach out to others who do hold these forms of power, which can be particularly advantageous in certain circumstances.