Is there a concept of autonomy that can usefully inform nursing practice?

This paper examines evidence that the contemporary use of the term autonomy is interpreted differently by different nurses. This is important because an understanding of autonomy is crucial to our approach to informed consent prior to nursing care procedures. There are many theories of autonomy. This may account for various interpretations of the term amongst nurses. In this paper it is argued that clarity may be achieved by commitment to one particular theory of autonomy. It is suggested that this commitment should be the subject of further debate within the nursing profession. It is argued that the ambiguous use of the term autonomy should be replaced by a concept that has specific meaning for nurses and which gives a working definition to a concept that is central to respect for patient choice and independence.