NURSING DIAGNOSIS AS A TOOL FOR DEVELOPING NURSE AUTONOMY

Abstract

Introduction. A review of global models of nursing practice shows that this profession has moved beyond a supportive role and has become an independent activity with its own standards and approaches. Modern nurses should not only provide highly qualified care, but also have in-depth knowledge of various medical aspects, make their own decisions and take responsibility for their results. On the other hand, in Ukraine, nurses often play the role of physician assistants, which is manifested only in the maintenance of medical records and significantly limits opportunities for professional development. In this context, the issue of nursing diagnostics, which is widely used in international practice and is an important factor in the development of nursing autonomy, deserves special attention.

The aim of the study – to analyze the role of nursing diagnosis in the development of autonomous activity of nurses.

The main part. The article discusses the role of NANDA International in the implementation and standardization of nursing diagnoses in world practice. The use of a standardized approach contributes to the formation of objective criteria for assessing the patient’s condition and significantly increases the autonomy of nurses. Particular attention is paid to the distinction between nursing and medical diagnoses. Medical diagnosis aims to identify the disease, while nursing diagnosis focuses on analyzing the patient’s response to the disease. This allows nurses to make independent decisions and formulate individualized care plans. The analysis of the studies shows that nurses’ autonomy has a positive impact on the psychological state, quality of work, and patient outcomes. In particular, in facilities with a high level of nursing autonomy, patient mortality and complications are reduced. In Ukraine, the project “Nurse with Extended Powers in Primary Care” is being successfully implemented with positive results. Nurses who participated in the project reported increased job satisfaction, more active participation in clinical decision-making, and improved working conditions. This confirms the effectiveness of using nursing diagnostics in clinical practice.

Conclusions. Nursing diagnosis is a key element of nurses’ autonomy, as it allows them to effectively identify patient problems, plan and implement the necessary interventions. Studies show that increased autonomy of nurses improves patient outcomes, reduces the risk of complications and mortality, and has a positive impact on their psychological state and professional satisfaction. In Ukraine, the Nurse with Empowered Primary Care Nurse project has demonstrated the importance of nursing diagnoses in the development of healthcare workers’ autonomy, confirming their effectiveness in clinical practice.