Power is inherent in all relationships and is subject to social and political amendment. In addition social relationships can be and are dynamic, flexible, variable and may provide unlimited possibilities for influencing the course of events in the workplace. Because of such potential, an element of competitiveness amongst leaders (and thus nurse managers) for the retention of their power base is created. Since the potential for power struggles is a realistic possibility the author contends that nurse managers need to acquaint themselves with political game playing techniques and ways of enhancing their social rank on an institution wide basis. This could be effected by concerted efforts to act in relation to others and by equipping themselves with more than basic preparation in administration and management. Nurses should use their individual and collective power, influence and authority to ensure that the nursing profession may prosper and grow. Contrary to the view that women are the weaker sex, numerically they dominate the nursing profession in South Africa. They should therefore regard the reshaping of their future role and status as a responsibility, a privilege and a challenge to the power inherent in them.
权力存在于所有关系之中，并受到社会和政治因素的影响。此外，社会关系是动态的、灵活的、可变的，可能为影响工作场所的事件进程提供无限可能。由于这种潜力，领导者（包括护士长）之间为保留其权力基础而产生了竞争因素。鉴于权力斗争的可能性是现实存在的，作者认为护士长需要了解政治博弈技巧以及在全机构范围内提升其社会地位的方法。这可以通过与他人协同行动以及在行政管理方面进行比基础准备更多的学习来实现。护士应运用其个人和集体的权力、影响力及权威，以确保护理专业能够繁荣发展。与女性是弱势群体的观点相反，在南非，从数量上看女性主导着护理行业。因此，她们应将重塑自身未来的角色和地位视为一种责任、一种特权，以及对自身内在权力的一种挑战。
