Power in practice: a study of nursing authority and autonomy

Power and politics need to be translated into practice through development of authority and autonomy within the staff nurse role. The purpose of the research described was to identify and compare aspects of agreement or disagreement between nurse leaders and staff about staff nurses' authority and autonomy to deliver patient care. Findings indicated that significant differences exist between staff nurses' and nurse leaders' sense of staff nurse autonomy, and importance of authority and autonomy, differences that can lead to serious misunderstandings and power struggles. These differences, especially concerning management support, can seriously hinder both nurse leaders and staff nurses' success in restructuring cost-effective quality care.