Relationship between Professional Image and Autonomy among Staff Nurses

Abstract

Background: Autonomy is the main component of professional nursing practice, which leads to improve patient outcomes. Nurses who have a higher degree of autonomy in their practice provide fine patient care. Aim: This study aimed to assess the relationship between professional image and autonomy among staff nurses. Design: A descriptive correlational design was utilized for conducting the study. Setting: conducted at Benha ophthalmic hospital which affiliated to Egyptian ministry of health. Subjects: Convenience sample of 140 staff nurses. Tools of data collection:The data in this study were collected by using two tools namely perceptions of professional nursing tool (PPNT) & autonomy questionnaire. Results: More than half 51.4% of the studied nurses had a moderate level of perception regarding professional image. While, nearly two third of the studied nurses had a moderate autonomy. Conclusion: It concluded that there was a highly positive correlation between staff nurses' professional image and their autonomy. Recommendation: Nurse managers should encourage staff nurses to participate in decision-makings and provide continuous in-service education to increase nurses' knowledge base to improve autonomy.