Final answer:
Increasing self-esteem as a nurse primarily leads to feelings of empowerment, which in turn enhances perceptions of being skilled and competent in the profession, contributing to improved professional satisfaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Increasing self-esteem as a nurse can contribute primarily to feelings of empowerment. Empowerment theory highlights the importance of psychological empowerment, which encompasses emotional, cognitive, relational, and behavioral components. As a nurse, when you have high self-esteem, this not only builds your resilience and belief in your capacity to handle various challenging situations but also enhances your professional practices and job satisfaction. This contributes to a positive perception of being a skilled nurse, feeling in charge of the situation, and ultimately being recognized as a "good" nurse. By considering oneself as a primary caregiver and understanding the demands and feedback mechanisms of the healthcare environment, a nurse can continually improve their services, which leads to personal growth, client satisfaction, and often, higher job performance.
Reflecting on enjoyable accomplishments in the workplace, such as situations wherein one felt proud and reported a sense of accomplishment, can serve as a motivational factor in enhancing one's self-esteem. Recognizing one's values, skills, and strengths in these accomplishments help in defining who they are as professionals. In addition to improving self-esteem, recognizing the supportive elements within one's career pathway is essential for moving in a positive direction. Overall, higher self-esteem can lead to a nurse's empowerment and job fulfillment.