AUTHORITY AND AUTONOMY OF STAFF NURSES PROVIDING PATIENT CARE: A STUDY OF NURSING POWER.
Contributors: University Of Illinois At Chicago, Health Sciences Center.
Published: 1992
Number of pages: 117
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Health Sciences, Health Care Management.
Description: The purpose of this study was to examine differences between staff nurses' and nurse leaders' perceptions of staff nurse authority, autonomy, and the importance they attach to authority and autonomy. The relationship of the independent variables of age, gender, basic education, highest level of education, years of experience, shift worked, unit, past unit experience, hospital affiliation, certification, and involvement in shared governance was explored with the dependent variables of authority, autonomy, importance of authority, and importance of autonomy. Until this study, no one had simultaneously examined staff nurses' authority and autonomy. By studying authority and autonomy together, a positive correlation was found, and more importantly, independent variables that relate to these concepts were identified.

The Nursing Authority and Autonomy Scale (NAAS), a 38 item tool was adapted, developed, and refined. Five hundred and ninety registered nurses, from four Midwestern hospitals, participated in this study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; specifically, Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient, Hotelling's T$\sp2$, MANOVA, one-way ANOVA, two-way ANOVA, and multivariate analysis. Findings indicated that significant differences exist between staff nurses' and nurse leaders' sense of staff nurse autonomy, and importance of authority and autonomy. In addition, selected demographic and organizational variables (i.e., unit specialty, hospital affiliation, shift worked, and highest level of education) impacted nurses' perceptions of staff nurse authority, autonomy, importance of authority, and autonomy. Of particular interest, was the finding that staff nurses have a significantly higher perception of staff nurse autonomy than nurse leaders.

Differences between staff nurses' and nurse leaders' perceptions of staff nurse authority and autonomy can lead to serious misunderstandings and conflict. This can hamper empowerment of staff nurses who are charged with the responsibility of delivering and managing effective patient care. The success of cost effective patient care rests on the empowerment of staff nurses with legitimate authority and autonomy. Further study is indicated to insure that legitimate empowerment with sufficient staff nurse authority and autonomy is occurring.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 53-12, Section: B, page: 6217.

Thesis (PH.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO, HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER, 1992.

School code: 0806.