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Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Occupational Therapy / Cadernos Brasileiros de Terapia Ocupacional is the property of Cadernos de Terapia Ocupacional da UFSCar and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Autonomy has been viewed as a key indicator of disciplinary professionalization. Nursing autonomy has been identified as an important variable that affects nurses' perceptions of job satisfaction, positive professional practice environments, and quality nursing care. The assumption that a key feature of nursing autonomy is the exercise of independent judgment and practice was challenged in an interpretive study that explored how nurses understand autonomy in their everyday clinical practice and work-life. This paper describes the research project, and explores nurses. emphasis on the relational features inherent in the exercise of autonomy in their clinical work. Their descriptions of relationships with physicians, nursing peers, and nurse managers offered ample instances whereby autonomous practice could be supported and enhanced. This paper will also discuss these possibilities for enabling nursing autonomy in relation to three key areas: generating practice environments that nurture clinical expertise and decision-making; enabling nurses to practice to the full scope of their education, experience, and competence; and fostering collaborative multidisciplinary practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]