<p> Aims and intended learning outcomes </p> <p>The aim of this article is to encourage nurses to become aware of their personal power, harness it and use it to enable them to develop personally and professionally.</p> <p>After reading this article the nurse should have an understanding of:</p> □ <p>Definitions and theories of 'power', personal power’ and 'powerlessness</p> □ <p>Some of the barriers which stand between people and their personal power: fear, anger, gender issues and lack of values clarification</p> □ <p>Actions which can be taken to begin to dismantle these barriers</p> □ <p>Specific means of enhancing personal power on a personal and professional level.</p> <p> The article relates to UKCC PREP category: Patient, clietit and colleague support.</p>