Nursing students' experiences of autonomy : a critical feminist approach

Brophy, Kathleen M. (2000) Nursing students' experiences of autonomy : a critical feminist approach. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (22MB) [English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. (Original Version)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore female nursing students' experiences of autonomy during their nursing education programs. The methodology was a critical feminist approach using qualitative methods. The participants were ten female nurses who had graduated from an undergraduate nursing program within the past two years. Results indicated that although the participants could describe experiences that both enhanced their autonomy and deprived them of autonomy, they described an overall lack of autonomy during their nursing education and they appeared to be an oppressed group. Autonomy, they found, was difficult to attain when the learning environment was controlling, inflexible, intimidating, and posed unrealistic expectations. Factors that enhanced their ability to be autonomous included collegial relationships, trust and independence, clinical competence, and constructive feedback. They revealed that a result of oppression was powerlessness, passiveness and an acceptance of oppression.

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