A Correlational Study on Professional Autonomy and Self-Concept of Clinical Nurses

Jang, Hee Jung; Sung, Myung Sook; Joo, Young Hee

Abstract

Nurses experience role conflict between nursing theory that they learned in school and clinical nursing practice. This conflict lead to lower self-image, self-esteem, job dissatisfaction. Also, the professionalism of nurses is estimatable by the grade of autonomy. The professional autonomy requires individual and professional obligation about her decision and performance. A lack of professional autonomy results in the job dissatisfaction. Job dissatisfaction leads to absenteeism, increased proneness to mental and physical illness and higher turnover rates. The purpose of this study was o investigate professional autonomy and self-concept of clinical nurses. Data were collected from 262 clinical nurses in P city from June 1 to June 30, 1996. The instruments used for this study were made by Arthur(1990) and Schutzenhofer(1983). The data were analyzed for frequency and percentage, mean, SD, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, stepwise multiple regression, using SAS PC+ Program. The findings were as it follows : 1. The mean of professional autonomy and self-concept were 152+/-18.48, 70.65+/-8.20(2.62), respectively. These showed mid level of professional autonomy and self-concept. 2. Professional autonomy of clinical nurses was found to vary significantly according to total years of clinical experience(F=4.49, p<0.01), position(F=3.49, p<0.05), and state under study for the degree(F=3.83, p<0.05). Professional self-concept was found to vary significantly according to age(F=3.52, p<0.05), marital status(F=7.39, p<0.001), total years of clinical experience(F=3.59, p<0.05), position(F=5.22, p<0.01), the expectant period being on the duty as clinical nurse(F=8.34, p<0.001), and motivation of choosing nursing(F=5.17, p<0.001). 3. The statistical relationship between clinical nurses' profession autonomy and self-concept was found as positive correlation9r=0.42246, p<0.001). 4. Professional autonomy was the highest factor predicting professional self-concept(17.85%). Professional autonomy and marital status accounted for 20.60% in professional self-concept of clinical nurses. In conclusion, Professional autonomy and self-concept of clinical nurses showed significantly positive relationship. Therefore, nursing education needs to develop programs and policies to increase professional autonomy and self-concept of clinical nurses.