Katja Pursio1, Päivi Kankkunen1,2, Ericka Sanner-Stiehr3, Tarja Kvist1. 1. Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland. 2. Research Unit of Nursing Science and Health Management, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland. 3. University of Kansas, School of Nursing, Kansas City, KS, USA.
Abstract
AIM: To summarize knowledge of professional autonomy in nursing. BACKGROUND: Professional autonomy is associated with experienced meaningfulness of the work. This refers participation in decision-making and the ability to influence working practices. EVALUATION: In an integrative review, relevant studies were retrieved from four databases. Their quality was systematically evaluated using JBI critical appraisal tools and PRISMA guidelines, then inductive content analysis to assess current knowledge of the focal subject. KEY ISSUES: The search identified 27 relevant studies published between 2000 and 2019. Elements describing nurses' professional autonomy were Independence in decision-making and Ability to utilize one's own competence. Themes relating to nurses' professional autonomy were Shared leadership, Professional skills, Inter- and intra-professional collaboration and Healthy work environment. CONCLUSION: Understanding the multidimensional nature of professional autonomy is essential to create attractive work environments. It is important to enable nurses to participate in decision-making and develop nursing through shared leadership to enhance the recruitment and retention of a skilled workforce. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: The findings have anticipated utility for supporting nursing practice and nurse leaders' understanding of approaches to foster nurses' professional autonomy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
AIM: To summarize knowledge of professional autonomy in nursing. BACKGROUND: Professional autonomy is associated with experienced meaningfulness of the work. This refers participation in decision-making and the ability to influence working practices. EVALUATION: In an integrative review, relevant studies were retrieved from four databases. Their quality was systematically evaluated using JBI critical appraisal tools and PRISMA guidelines, then inductive content analysis to assess current knowledge of the focal subject. KEY ISSUES: The search identified 27 relevant studies published between 2000 and 2019. Elements describing nurses' professional autonomy were Independence in decision-making and Ability to utilize one's own competence. Themes relating to nurses' professional autonomy were Shared leadership, Professional skills, Inter- and intra-professional collaboration and Healthy work environment. CONCLUSION: Understanding the multidimensional nature of professional autonomy is essential to create attractive work environments. It is important to enable nurses to participate in decision-making and develop nursing through shared leadership to enhance the recruitment and retention of a skilled workforce. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: The findings have anticipated utility for supporting nursing practice and nurse leaders' understanding of approaches to foster nurses' professional autonomy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Keywords:
integrative review; nurse; professional autonomy