The Association Between Intensive Care Unit Nurses' Perception of Nursing Professional Autonomy and Nursing...

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Professional Development

Background:

• The Jordanian healthcare sector faces evolving challenges impacting nursing practice.
• Critical care nurses' professional autonomy and professionalism are vital for quality patient care.
• Understanding these dynamics is crucial for advancing nursing in Jordan.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between perceived professional autonomy and professionalism.
• Focus on critical care nurses within Jordanian governmental hospitals.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive correlation design with 200 critical care nurses from five major hospitals.
• Data collected August-September 2023 using Dempster Practice Behaviors Scale and Nurses' Professionalism Inventory.
• Study adhered to STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines.

Main Results:

• Moderate levels of perceived professional autonomy (mean DPBS: 103.94) and professionalism (mean NPI: 119.12) were found.
• A significant positive correlation (r=0.49, p<0.001) was identified between autonomy and professionalism.
• Demographic and work-related factors had minimal impact on these perceptions.

Conclusions:

• Professional autonomy and professionalism are key to enhancing nursing care in Jordan.
• Recommendations include targeted education and supportive workplace policies.
• Findings offer significant implications for nursing policy and education in healthcare settings.