There can be no safe health care without experienced nurses. It is well documented by many research studies that work environment is the number one factor influencing nurse burnout and turnover. This was demonstrated in 2003 with the NIH studies. Here we are in 2009 and the resistance to power sharing has never been greater. A study by the AHA called "In Our Hands" says that until hospitals involve staff level nurses in decision making and give them more control over their work environment the nursing shortage will continue to snowball. An excellent set of standards was issued by the AACCN that among other things targets and holds accountable nurse leaders at all levels. Another arguement for nurse empowerment is the capital value we bring to the table. A recent study cited by the ANA shows if 155,000 nurses were added to the workforce, increased productivity and declining cost due to increased quality of care would result in an annual net savings of close to 8 billion dollars to the health care industry. Ongoing studies on billing for nursing services will prove that nursing talent provides a net revenue stream to the industry in the billions. Thus, we will no longer be just an FTE that is seen in terms of cost. We will have a demonstrated value and the industry will be forced to change its philosphy invest more dollars to produce and hire more nurses ultimately improving the quality of care and at the same time the bottom line.