Indwelling urinary catheters are common among patients in the community. Use of a catheter entails a significant lifestyle adjustment on the part of the patient, who must learn a new regime of self-care. In order to help patients to cope with the new device, it is essential that nurses play an active role in educating patients and involving them in the decision-making process. By empowering patients through knowledge of their condition and care, nurses can encourage greater compliance with care plans and reduce the risk of potentially distressing complications that can arise from indwelling catheters.