Latent Oppression in Nursing Practice - Essay Example

Although nurses are inspired to be holistic in service, administrative and collegial conflicts hamper the career growth and development of junior nurses in clinical fields.

The conditional status of oppression has been rampant in medical institutions, yet, overt recognition of its existence is consistently denied. As nursing is generally viewed as a female-dominated profession, many distinguish it as lower compared to predominantly masculine careers. Hence, nurses from various fields are extensively pressured to prove themselves in the patriarchal society (Seago, 2006). Accordingly, feminist antagonism serves as the primary source for negative viewpoints adapted in medical settings.

In relation to career antagonism, the nature of oppression spreads from hierarchical nursing ranks. Concertedly, nursing management deviates from the ideals of supportive supervision into tyrannical leadership. In parallel view with the study by Gary on “Why and Wherefore of Empowerment,” intentional intimidation of junior nurses by senior nurses in the clinical field is perceived as effective means in controlling behavior of the former (Stevens, 2002). Upon inciting fear, most nurses act according to manipulation of ranked nurses--nurses’ independent functions are broken to fit the whims of senior nurses.