Independent, autonomous, or equal: what do we really want?

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Policy
• Professional Development

Background:

• The evolution of nursing terminology, including 'autonomous' and 'independent', is examined.
• Nurse dissatisfaction and status issues are linked to recruitment/retention problems and the rise of nursing ethics.
• Medical suspicion towards advanced practice roles like nurse practitioners (NPs) is a significant barrier.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the development of autonomous and independent roles in nursing literature, focusing on the nurse practitioner (NP) role.
• To analyze power dynamics, nurse dissatisfaction, and interprofessional collaboration challenges in healthcare.
• To propose solutions for improved medical-nursing coexistence centered on patient care.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of national and international nursing publications.
• Analysis of terminology related to nursing autonomy and advanced practice.
• Exploration of power relationships and interprofessional dynamics in healthcare settings.

Main Results:

• The development of advanced practice roles, such as NPs, has faced resistance from some medical organizations.
• Barriers and benefits to collaborative practice between medicine and nursing are identified.
• The perceived blurring of medical and nursing roles is a consequence of advanced practice.

Conclusions:

• Addressing power imbalances and role perceptions is crucial for effective interprofessional collaboration.
• Refocusing medical and nursing practice on patient care can overcome interprofessional "bunker dwelling."
• Strategies for harmonious coexistence are proposed to enhance patient outcomes and professional satisfaction.