Professional autonomy of occupational health nurses in the United States

Nurses' lived experiences of professional autonomy in Iran

Objectives

Nurses' autonomy is a complex and multi-dimensional concept that has often been overlooked. Although many studies have addressed patients' autonomy, there has been no assessment of nurses' experience of professional autonomy. The present study aimed to assess nurses’ lived experiences of professional autonomy in Shiraz, Iran.

Methods

The present qualitative study was conducted in Shiraz (Iran) from January 2016 to February 2018. The target population was selected among nursing professionals employed by various hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. The experiences of the participants were assessed through 14 in-depth semi-structured interviews. The response of the participants was analyzed using Van Manen's 6-step approach for interpretive phenomenology.

Results

Based on the analysis of the interviews, 4 themes, 11 categories, and 13 sub-categories were extracted. The themes were: Advocacy for patients and nurses, independence in the workplace, Involvement in professional decision-making, and Professional accountability.

Conclusion

Due to the intense interaction between nurses and patients, a better quality of care will be achieved if the professional autonomy of nurses is ensured. Healthcare authorities and hospital managers should provide the framework and permit the nurses to practically exercise full independence in the workplace.

Professional autonomy of occupational health nurses in the United States

Autonomy, the freedom to practice independently and to exercise professional judgment in practice activities, is a central element for professional practice. Numerous articles and studies have reported on professional autonomy in general nursing practice; however, professional autonomy for occupational health nurses has not been explored in depth. This article advances the development of a body of knowledge relative to professional autonomy in the practice of occupational health nursing. This article also provides an overview of professional autonomy in nursing practice; discusses the nature and importance of professional autonomy in the occupational health practice setting; reports findings from a seminal study of occupational health nurse autonomy; and addresses professional autonomy in the context of collaborative practice.