Abstract
The purpose of this study is to clarify inductively the constructs "Nurse's autonomy concept" in clinical practice. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on 9 Clinical Nurse Specialist in a each field, and interview records were qualitatively and inductively analyzed. The characteristic and the change in the autonomous attitude and the autonomous behavior were inquired. The interview data were used to conceptualize the construct of "nurse's autonomy". As a result, eights subcategories were identified: ethical decision making; respect for patients' decision making; empowerment by interpersonal relationship; control of human feelings; readiness for professionals; responsibility as specialists; nurse's discretion; cooperation and negotiation. And four categories were emerged; patient protection; interaction with others; maturity as professionals; and organizational activity. The results suggested that neither empowerment by interpersonal relationship nor control of human feelings in subcategories are included in the constructs of the existing autonomy scale.
