Nurses’ supervision and autonomy in hospitals: an Ibero-American multicenter study

Supervisión y autonomía de las enfermeras en el ámbito hospitalario: un estudio multicéntrico iberoamericano

Objectives:  to analyze nursing supervision contributions and influences in the construction and implementation of regulated professional autonomy of nursing teams in hospital settings in Ibero-American countries.

Methods:  qualitative research, stemming from a multicenter study conducted in university hospitals in Portugal, Spain, and Brazil. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with clinical nurses and ward managers. Content analysis was used to interpret the collected data.

Results:  supervision and its potential for developing autonomy were influenced by institutional hierarchy, the structure of decision-making processes, and training processes. A supervision approach based on support and professional development favors nurses’ autonomy, while practices centered on control can limit it.

Final Considerations:  the emphasis on supervision models that promote nurses’ development and participation contributes to more autonomous and effective care practices.

Descriptors:
Nursing; Nursing, Supervisory; Professional Autonomy; Hospitals; Multicenter Study.