Control over nursing practice

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to describe nursing staff attitudes and perceptions of empowerment as reflected by control over nursing practice in two community hospitals. The conceptual orientation focused on leadership as a mechanism to promote staff empowerment. Attitudinal data were obtained using a cross-sectional survey design. The Control Over Nursing Practice Scale elicited self-reported. perceptions of decision making, authority to act, planning, innovation, staffing, and communication. Range of scores on the scale can be between 21 and 147. The mean total score for RNs was 110.32, indicating a relatively high level of control over nursing practice. There were no significant differences between the two hospitals, but some differences were identified among service areas. Results of this study provide a baseline measurement for assessing possible administrative changes in the future. Understanding the current attitudes and perceptions of control over practice can help nursing leaders plan strategies to promote empowerment.