IntroductionNurses play a vital role in a rapidly changing healthcare environment characterized by intensive care patients and a shortage of nurses to meet patient care demands (Ning , Zhong, Libo and Qiujie, 2009). It is therefore important to maintain good working environments for nurses. Empowerment is considered an effective method to increase nurse satisfaction (Ning, Zhong, Libo, & Qiujie, 2009). According to Wittmann-Price (2004), empowerment is “the process of achieving a more positive state of being, a state of relative freedom in choice by first recognizing an affective experience of oppression.” The purpose of this article is to write an account of an experience as a student nurse practicing in a clinical setting where we felt oppressed due to class, racial, cultural or gender bias. This story will be analyzed using relevant concepts from the literature.StoryMy experience occurred when I was in my second year of nursing. We are just starting our clinical placements at KGH. At that time, our instructors assigned us a patient to provide our nursing care. The goals for the day are to do our head to toe assessments and be able to chart our results. Throughout the shift, we have a co-assigned nurse who will assist us with our tasks for the day. I did what I was supposed to do and drew the map accordingly. After the shift ended, I thought I had done everything right, until one of my classmates told me that my nurse had talked to him and told him that I hadn't done a good job and told him that I didn't know how to prepare a file. Hearing this from my classmate, I didn't say anything to my clinical instructor and just let it go. I felt embarrassed and ashamed. I thought I couldn't change what happened and I... middle of paper ......against the oppressors, I must recognize that I am oppressed. I must also learn to change my attitudes towards my oppressors and change the way I react and think. Conclusion Empowerment is an essential factor in creating a positive work environment. Nurses who view their work environment as empowering are more likely to provide quality health care. Positive environments are important for the future of nursing development (Ning, Zhong, Libo, & Qiujie, 2009). Nurses must not only have the ability to recognize differences, but they must also have the ability to transform and change structures within the profession in order to achieve emancipation. To achieve empowerment, they must take steps to overcome oppression. They must face their fears and be able to engage with their oppressors and let them know that their actions are unacceptable..