Autonomy and the developing role of the clinical nurse specialist

The role of the clinical nurse specialist has developed in response to social, technological and political changes that have impacted upon the delivery of health care. Nursing has traditionally been associated with femininity and in a paternalistic health structure the concept of nursing care can be devalued because autonomous nurses may threaten the balance of power. Autonomy is a multi-faceted concept and yet, if nurses have the courage to embrace both the traditional values of nursing and the expertise that their caring role brings to health care, they will be able to develop their own competence and autonomous practice. Nurses may not need autonomy in order to enhance their roles but they do need to concentrate on the concept of care as a team phenomenon. This notion is included in the UKCC's higher level of practice initiative which may direct specialist practice in the future. A negative element to nurse specialization is that nursing care can become fragmented, thus compromising the continuity and accountability of patient care.