Autonomy in practice : a secondary analysis of the Dempster practice behaviors scale

Abstract

This thesis was a secondary analysis of the Dempster Practice Behaviors Scale (DPBS). The DPBS LS a self report scale using a Likert format that measures autonomous behaviors in nursing practice for Registered Nurses (RNs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs). The analysis examined four theoretical dimensions of autonomy, including readiness, empowerment, actualization, and valuation, that evolved during the development of the DPBS. Two sample t-tests showed statistically significant differences in mean autonomy scores between NPs (n = 345) and RNs (n = 224) for each dimension. Nurse Practitioners scored higher (M = 13.1 - 45.8) on all four dimensions than RNs (M = 12.4- 43.8). Two-way analysis of variance examined differences between RNs and NPs by level of education, (diploma, associate, baccalaureate, masters and doctorate degree) for each dimension. Interaction of nurse type (RN/NP) and level of education was significant for all dimensions. The RNs' autonomous practice levels increased as their levels of education increased. The NPs' autonomous practice levels varied with educational level.