Professional Autonomy of Nurses: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis Study

BACKGROUND: Autonomy is the main element of professional practice in nursing. However, despite the many studies conducted on nursing autonomy, this concept is not fully understood and a comprehensive explanation of this concept in nursing is necessary. Meta-synthesis offers a way to increase the understanding of this concept using existing research findings. Thus, the present study aimed to explain the concept of professional nursing autonomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted based on a modified version of Noblit and Hare's meta-ethnography approach and qualitative studies on the concept of nursing autonomy published in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, SID, IranMedex, Magiran, and ScienceDirect in the past 15 years (2003–2018). RESULTS: Thirteen articles that reported the experiences of nurses regarding professional autonomy were included in the research. Based on the meta-synthesis of findings, the final interpretation of the professional autonomy of clinical nurses was presented in the three themes of professional competence, professional decision making, and professional interactions. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, the concept of professional autonomy is a developmental achievement based on patient-based professional competence along with self-reliance to provide the best care plan for the promotion of patients' health through the professional decision making and professional interactions with other professional team members.