Date of Award
Summer 1990
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Wake, Madeline
Second Advisor
Fehring, Richard J.
Abstract
This study addressed the research questions: 1) What is the comparison of autonomy of nurses as measured before and after implementation of shared governance, a professional practice model, in a community hospital?; 2) How do nurses describe their autonomy after implementation of shared governance? A descriptive, comparison study design was employed, using a tool to measure autonomy of nurses developed by Schutzenhofer. Demographic data was collected as well as qualitative data to answer the second research question. The data was collected at a 216 community bed hospital in the midwest before and after implementation of shared governance. One hundred staff nurses were randomly selected from a total population of one hundred and seventy-one staff nurses employed at the study facility. One hundred ten surveys, fifty-five from time one and fifty-five from time two were used in the findings. Study findings did not demonstrate a statistical difference in autonomy scores between time one and time two. Responses to qualitative questions at time two largely reflected positive changes or a "wait and see" attitude. Implications for the hospital work setting and further study were discussed.
Recommended Citation
Wolak, Debra Lynn, "Comparison of Nurses' Autonomy Before and After Implementation of Shared Governance" (1990). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 3714.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/3714