Do not confuse respectfulness with inappropriate deferral or modesty. Autonomy in
nurses’ practice contributes to the well-being of patients and adds to the quality of services and care
that patients receive. Functioning with others in harmony does not require that a nurse is meek
as a mouse. When autonomy is effective, the nurse’s acts are focused on the patient and the
patient’s well-being. As such, autonomy brings out the BEST of nursing practice to the patient.
Autonomy is never focused on the self.