Abstract
The role of nurse practitioners in the medical care system has undergone significant development over the years, with their autonomy serving as the foundation for their clinical work. The absence of nurse practitioner autonomy can hinder their confidence, self-esteem, and professional growth. Surprisingly, there have been no reports addressing this concept in Taiwan. Thus, this paper employs the strategies of conceptual analysis as described by Walker and Avant (2011) to analyze nurse practitioner autonomy. Nurse practitioner autonomy, as characterized in this study, refers to nurse practitioners who: (1) hold the nurse practitioner certificate and are employed by a medical institution, (2) possess the capability to independently perform medical tasks within the scope of regulations, (3) demonstrate clinical confidence and take responsibility for their actions, (4) exhibit clinical decision-making abilities, allowing them to select the best care for patients based on their own knowledge, skills, critical thinking, and judgment, and (5) collaborate with the medical team and share responsibilities. The antecedents of nurse practitioner autonomy include: (1) obtaining a nursing degree from an accredited institution and holding registered nurse certifications, having more than three years of nursing experience with a nursing diploma or bachelor's degree, or (2) having more than two years of nursing experience with a nursing master's degree, and (3) along with a positive working environment. The positive outcomes of nurse practitioner autonomy encompass increased job satisfaction, improved teamwork relationships, and enhanced patient care outcomes. This paper presents novel information on nurse practitioner autonomy, hoping to foster a better understanding of this concept among health professionals. By doing so, it aims to enhance the professionalism of nurse practitioners in the medical workplace, ultimately contributing to improved healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
Translated title of the contribution | Nurse Practitioner Autonomy: A Concept Analysis |
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Original language | Chinese (Traditional) |
Pages (from-to) | 36-46 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | 長庚護理 = Chang Gung Nursing |
Volume | 34 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2023 Jun |