| Abstract [eng] |
Relevance of the work. In recent years, the role of nursing professionals in the healthcare system has been increasingly emphasized worldwide; however, in Lithuania, the shortage of nurses and high staff turnover remain significant challenges. One possible approach to address these issues is to strengthen the empowerment of nursing students during their studies. Empowerment is defined as a process through which individuals gain greater control over their activities, make decisions, and take responsibility for them. In the context of nursing, it is associated with the development of knowledge, self-confidence, critical thinking, and professional autonomy. Student empowerment is based on Kanter’s structural and psychological empowerment theories, which emphasize the importance of support, access to information, resources, and meaning. The aim of this study is to assess the level of empowerment among nursing students and identify the factors influencing it, thereby contributing to the improvement of nursing education quality and students’ professional preparedness. The purpose of the study - to analyze the level of empowerment among nursing students and identify the factors influencing it. Research objectives. (1) To determine the level of empowerment among nursing students. (2) To assess nursing students’ academic satisfaction. (3) To determine the relationship between nursing students’ academic satisfaction and their level of empowerment. (4) To determine the associations between selected demographic variables and nursing students’ level of empowerment. Research methodology. The study is a quantitative, cross-sectional design. Participants will include second- to fourth-year undergraduate nursing students from Lithuanian universities and colleges who have clinical practice experience. Data will be collected through an anonymous online questionnaire using two standardized instruments: the Learner Empowerment Scale (LES) and the Undergraduate Nursing Students’ Academic Satisfaction Scale (UNSASS). Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS software, applying descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s α for reliability assessment, and correlation and regression analyses. The study will be conducted after obtaining approval from the Bioethics Committee. Results. The results of the study showed that nursing students’ level of empowerment is moderate, while their level of academic satisfaction is high. Students feel most competent, but their perceived influence on the study and practice environment is lower, and clinical practice receives the lowest ratings in terms of academic satisfaction. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between empowerment and academic satisfaction, indicating that as satisfaction increases, so does empowerment. Multiple regression analysis revealed that empowerment is significantly predicted by teaching quality and study resources, while other factors had no significant influence. It was also found that the level of empowerment is not significantly related to demographic characteristics; therefore, it can be concluded that it is more strongly determined by factors in the study environment. Conclusions. The level of empowerment among nursing students is moderate, while their academic satisfaction is high; however, clinical practice is rated lower than theoretical studies. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between academic satisfaction and empowerment, with teaching quality and study resources having the greatest influence on empowerment. Demographic factors (gender, age, year of study, type of institution, place of residence, work experience) do not have a significant impact on empowerment; therefore, it is more strongly determined by factors in the academic environment. |
