Autonomy in Contemporary Nursing Practice: A Principle‐Based Concept Analysis

Aim This article explores and defines the concept of autonomy in nursing practice. Design Principle‐based concept analysis method. Methods The literature published between February 2013 and February 2023 was searched in CINAHL, APA PsycINFO, Academic Search Complete and Medline databases. The findings of selected articles were analysed and synthesised using a deductive approach in line with the four principles of the principle‐based concept analysis framework, as outlined by Penrod and Hupcey (2005). Preconditions, attributes and outcomes of autonomy in nursing were derived, and a theoretical definition of autonomy was formulated and discussed. Results Ninety‐nine full‐text articles were retrieved, and 37 were included for analysis. The concept of autonomy has been studied and used in nursing. Although the definition of autonomy in nursing is generally defined, some variations and inconsistencies remain in the current nursing literature. Multiple measurement scales have been developed to measure the level of nurses’ autonomy. Universal attributes were identified and developed based on the literature. Conclusion Autonomy in nursing has been a desired notion in the profession. The level of autonomy is subject to internal and external influencers and varies from individual characteristics, culture, organisational and professional arrangements. A knowledge gap remains, and further research is needed to clarify the impact of autonomy in nursing and its relationship with other concepts, such as collaboration between physicians and nurses, as well as job stress and burnout.