【Purpose】This study aimed to clarify characteristics and factors related to the professional autonomy of nurses corresponding to consultations by telephone in outpatient departments.

【Methods】We surveyed 462 nurses who worked in the outpatient departments using the scale for professional autonomy in nursing via mailed self-administered questionnaires.

【Results】Nurses in “full-time” employment had significantly higher mean scores in all five subscales compared to those in ”part-time” employment.　In four of the subscales, nurses “without children” had significantly higher scores compared to nurses “with children” while in three of the subscales, nurses “without spouses” had significantly higher scores compared to nurses “with spouses”.　Many of part-time nurses had spouses or children with a significant level, therefore, “employment status” seemed to be related to scores on professional autonomy in nursing.

【Conclusions】To enhance the professional autonomy of nurses corresponding to consultations by telephone, it seemed to be required that educational support regarding telephone consultation is provided to nurses in outpatient departments during working hours.