Abstract
Background
Developments in the field of health care require nurses to have professional autonomy
and to fulfil contemporary nursing roles including patient advocacy.
Aim
In this study, it was aimed to determine the levels of professional autonomy and patient
advocacy of nurses and to examine the relationship between them.
Methods
The descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with nurses working in inpatient
clinics of a public hospital (n = 212). The data of the study were collected using
a questionnaire consisting of questions to determine the socio-demographic and professional
characteristics of nurses, the Nurses’ Attitude Towards Professional Autonomy Scale,
and the Patient Advocacy Scale for Nurses.
Findings
The mean age of the nurses participating in the study was 29.60 ± 6.72, 92% were females
and 71.7% hold a bachelor's degree. The mean score of the Nurses’ Attitude Towards
Professional Autonomy Scale was 78.74 ± 8.56, and the total mean score of the Patient
Advocacy Scale for Nurses was 165.91 ± 20.31. It was determined that there was a positive
and significant correlation between the total mean score of the Nurses’ Attitude Towards
Professional Autonomy Scale and the mean score of the Patient Advocacy Scale for Nurses
(p < 0.05). It was found that the mean total scores of the Nurses’ Attitude Towards
Professional Autonomy Scale of nurses working in intensive care and holding a postgraduate
degree were statistically higher (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Nurses' professional autonomy was high, and the practice of patient advocacy roles
was above average. As professional autonomy increases, the practice of patient advocacy
roles also increases.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 17, 2022
Accepted:
September 27,
2022
Received in revised form:
August 12,
2022
Received:
March 29,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofFootnotes
Summary of relevance
Problem or issue: The effect of nurses' professional values on their advocacy roles is unknown.
What is already known: Professional autonomy enables nurses to exist professionally and independently. Professional autonomy is one of the factors affecting the patient advocacy of nurses in the health care environment. Contemporary nursing roles and ethical principles make patient advocacy indispensable for nurses.
What this paper adds: Having professional autonomy increases nurses' use of the patient advocacy role. Abilities developed through completing a postgraduate degree have the potential to enhance the attributes consistent with professional autonomy. Effective fulfilment of patient advocacy roles by nurses ensures maintaining and enhancing professional autonomy.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Australian College of Nursing Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
