Autonomy and empowerment in advanced practice registered nurses: lessons from New Mexico

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between autonomy and empowerment of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and predictor variables of physician oversight, geographical location, and practice setting. As the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is implemented, these characteristics are vital to understanding how APRNs practice and the relationship of APRNs to other healthcare team members, including physicians.

This was a descriptive, correlational survey of APRNs in New Mexico exploring autonomy and empowerment in relation to variables of physician oversight, geographical location, and practice setting.

New Mexico's APRN Nurse Practice Act supports independent practice and prescriptive authority. Results indicated that APRNs are highly empowered and autonomous. However, nearly 40% of respondents identified practicing with physician oversight. Further investigation of subscales of empowerment also provided insight of relationships among healthcare team members, particularly physicians.

This research provides additional knowledge for policy changes that support APRNs assuming more responsibility for primary care. However, understanding the APRN role within the healthcare team is necessary for effective implementation of primary care in New Mexico.