Autonomy in nursing

Design: A narrative literature review was used for the study, performed according to the PRISMA ScR checklist.

Methods: Relevant studies obtained from four databases were included in the narrative review. The data review was performed according to the PRISMA checklist. For data extraction and synthesis, the method of summative content analysis, in accordance with COSMIN criteria, was used.

Results: The search identified four relevant studies published between 2003–2014. All instruments used in the studies were designed to measure nurse autonomy and were also used in combination with other instruments closely related to autonomy in nursing. The instruments demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties.

Conclusion: Autonomy is an unexplored phenomenon in the context of the Slovak Republic and it deserves attention since nurse autonomy affects not only patients but also nurses themselves and their job satisfaction. It is important to enable nurses to participate in decision-making, planning and development of nursing as autonomous professionals.