Abstract:
Research aims:
The aim of this study was to examine whether
nurses in Australia participated in clinical decisionmaking
to the extent they desired. Some factors that
could be inhibiting or promoting participation in
clinical decision-making, namely educational level,
occupational orientation (role values), level of
appointment and area of practice (medical/surgical)
were also examined.
Method:
A quantitative, correlational study examined the
relationship between nurses' occupational orientation,
educational level, area of specialty and decisionmaking.
T-tests were used to identify significant
differences between the decision-making nurses say
they have and that which they say they want.
Major findings:
Nurses holding a professional role value
participated more in clinical decision making than
those holding a paramedical role value. Nurses
practising in surgical areas participated less in
decision-making than those in medical areas. While a
higher educational level was not associated with
greater participation in clinical decision-making, it was
linked to wanting more participation in this process.
Conclusion:
Important issues arising from the study need to be
addressed. Nurses who are better educated are not
making decisions to the extent to which they aspire.
Surgical nurses participated less in decision-making
than medical nurses and holding professional values
can lead to greater decision-making participation.
