Nursing students rank high in autonomy at the exit level

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Sociology of Professions
• Higher Education

Background:

• Professional status in nursing is often debated, with autonomy frequently cited as a key criterion.
• Existing literature suggests a potential lack of individual autonomy among nurses contributes to this professional status gap.
• This study investigates the autonomy levels of nursing students to determine if individual deficits are the primary cause.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the level of autonomy among female nursing students.
• To compare the autonomy of nursing students with female students in other academic disciplines.
• To challenge the prevailing view that a lack of individual autonomy prevents nursing from achieving full professional status.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study design was employed.
• Female nursing students were surveyed prior to graduation.
• Control groups included female students from education, business, technology, and arts and sciences programs.
• Autonomy and masculinity scores were measured and compared.

Main Results:

• Nursing students demonstrated comparable scores in autonomy and masculinity to other female students.
• Nursing students scored higher on specific autonomy-related attitudes and behaviors relevant to women.
• These results contradict previous research linking low nurse autonomy to professional status denial.

Conclusions:

• The findings suggest that individual nurses possess adequate autonomy.
• The persistent denial of professional status to nursing may stem from organizational or systemic factors rather than individual deficits.
• Further research is needed to explore external barriers to professional recognition in nursing.