This research introduced a novel, yet fundamental approach
to understanding the meaning of NP autonomy
and illuminated the meaning of NP autonomy as Having
Genuine NP Practice. Having Genuine NP Practice has the
potential to become a conceptualization of autonomy that
has meaning for all NPs. Understanding how NPs in this
study shaped the overall meaning of autonomy provided
insight into daily practice, the professional self, and the integral
part that relationships occupy in the everyday life
of being an NP, along with the daily struggles. Gadamer’s
model for interpreting the meaning of the words faithfully
and applying Gilligan’s feminist perspective to interpretation
of the text and context of this study were key to answering
this study’s research question and uncovering participant
meaning of autonomy.
In conclusion, this study showed that despite a requirement
for physician supervision over prescriptive authority
and a sociocultural ideology that sometimes obscures
legitimate NP practice, participant NPs in this study
shaped the meaning of autonomy within the context
of the NP–patient relationship and the practice environment.
The recurring reality of having the knowledge and
skill to enact their role competently, alone with the patient,
was real and gave meaning to not only what they
do, but to who they are—it was Having Genuine NP
Practice