Nursing as a profession is indispensable to the smooth running of the health care system. Hence, nurses should be provided with conditions which allow them to do their job with maximum precision and satisfaction. The article presents the concept of empowerment which is defined as a multidimensional process of giving the employees opportunities for decision-making, encouraging autonomy, enthusiasm and engagement. The theory of empowerment may be used for managing the work of nurses. We present the theoretical model proposed by Laschinger and colleagues which shows mutual relationships between the hospital as an organization, nurses as well as patients, which is the effect of employing empowerment in the workplace. Practical implications for the system of health care as well as for functioning of the patients are discussed. Cooperation between supervisors, nurses, and their patients can benefit the hospital as an organization, as well as nurses and their patients.

Key words: psychological empowerment, structural empowerment, patients’ empowerment, nurses, health care management.