March 12, 2018: The 9th Magnet Force discusses Autonomy. Autonomy goes hand in hand with accountability! Autonomous nurses and interprofessionals are able to assess and provide nursing and patient care actions that are appropriate for the patient and situation. These actions are based on the practitioners competence, professional expertise and knowledge. Autonomous practice must also be consistent with professional practice standards. Independent judgment is expected within the context of interprofessional collaboration that focuses on safe patient care.
A great example of autonomous nursing practice is the development of an education tool by the Main 4 East Nurses to help patients who are discharged with a JP drain know how to manage the drain. These nurses autonomously developed this education tool, partnered with physicians and surgeons to receive their buy-in and empower these patients to care for the drain when they are discharged.
– Janet Leatherwood, CNO