A select exploration of induced dependency in nursing home residents

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among autonomy, control over nursing practice, and selected sociodemographic characteristics of nursing staff, the degree of institutional bureaucratization, and quality of resident care in two nursing homes. A significant difference was found in the IRA/Keogh benefit for both RNs and LPNs. Significant positive relationships were found between autonomy and control over nursing practice; years since completion of basic education and age of the nurse; and total benefits the nurse received and their salary. A significant difference between RNs and LPNs was found in their sence of autonomy, with RNs scoring higher than LPNs. An inverse relationship was identified between the institution's bureaucracy and the variables autonomy and control over nursing practice. No significant differences were found between the nursing homes with regard to urinary incontinence and the level of nursing autonomy, control over nursing practice, and degree of institutional bureaucratization.