Nurse Practitioners' Autonomy the Current Term Paper

What is the current level of autonomy among NPs?

How independent are nurse practitioners? It is well-known that NPs desire and deserve autonomy -- which gives NPs "substantial control over [their] professional practice" (Bahadori, et al., 2009, p. 513). The research conducted by Bahadori and colleagues shows that of 48 primary care NPs (all of whom attended a state clinical conference in Florida and completed a detailed questionnaire with 30 items to evaluate), "…had very high levels of autonomy" (517). Specifically, NPs that had been practicing in "family specialty practice area" reported "greater clinical decision-making authority, and the NPs involved in acute care had "…very high levels of autonomy also" (Bahadori, 517). The conclusion for this article explained that while the NPs enjoyed "high levels of autonomy," and had high levels of skill and accountability, that had "…only moderate levels of empowerment" (rights, privileges, and legal status) (Bahadori, 518).

Collaboration and autonomy -- nurse practitioners' perceptions

Another scholarly article in the Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners reveals that when NPs and physicians collaborate nurse practitioners only enjoy a "moderate level of empowerment" (Maylone, et al., 2011). The problem exists because in some states, while the physician is still in a "dominant position," the nurse practitioner is in a "subordinate role" (Maylone, 51). This is probably going to be the case in states that are generally politically conservative -- and clinging to old values vis-a-vis healthcare. And it is unacceptable, because NPs are fully ready to assume the responsibilities of primary care, and they have proven for years that they are indeed ready.

In conclusion, it is time for advocates of nurse practitioners and for nurse practitioners themselves to roll up sleeves and demand autonomy and independence in areas where they don't already have autonomy. As was stated in the introduction and the thesis to this paper, NPs are highly trained, are very competent and knowledgeable and it is time to support the need for NPs to have their independent services. The more pressing point is that soon, when the Affordable Care Act becomes fully operable, millions of new patients will need healthcare, and without adequate physicians to provide primary care, the logical step is to have nurse practitioners step up and provide that needed care.

Works Cited

Bahadori, a., and Fitzpatrick, J.J. (2009). Level of autonomy of primary care nurse

Practitioners. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 21(9), 513-519.

Carryer, J., Gardner, G., Dunn, S., and Gardner, a. (2007). The core role of the nurse

Practitioner: practice, professionalism and clinical leadership. Journal of Clinical Nursing,

16(10), 1818-1825.

De Wit, D.G., Fitzpatrick, J.J., and McNulty, R. (2011). Nurse practitioners' job satisfaction

And intent to leave current positions, the nursing profession, and the nurse practitioner role

As a direct care provider. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 23(1),

42-50.

Lowe, G., Plummer, V., O'Brien, a.P., and Boyd, L. (2011). Time to clarify -- the value of advanced practice nursing roles in health care. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 68(3), 677-685.

Maylone,…