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).

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