Defining control over nursing practice and autonomy

Control over nursing practice and autonomy describe how nurses influence decisions about their practice. Both have been associated with professional practice environments that result in nurse satisfaction and quality patient outcomes. The terms are often commingled and confused, which limits their applicability in practice and research. The author clarifies the concepts of control over nursing practice and autonomy as they relate to decision making in nursing, which provides a foundation for their application in practice and research.