How an MSN Can Increase Autonomy in Nursing
Written by:
University of Tulsa
• Jan 17, 2025
When nurses have more professional autonomy, studies show that quality of care improves — as does their job satisfaction. Autonomy in nursing requires the ability to make time-sensitive, life-saving decisions, which is why nurses who have increased autonomy often need more training and more educational experience. They need certain skills and knowledge that they can only obtain through years of study and practice.
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can set nursing students on a path toward a future with more autonomy and, therefore, higher job satisfaction rates — and a higher level of care. Pursuing this degree can place students on a specialized career path where they can make decisions that affect patients, families, and entire communities.
What Is an MSN?
An MSN is a Master of Science in Nursing, an advanced degree that nurses can pursue. This degree allows them to hone their skills and enables them to follow a more specialized career path. An MSN degree lets nursing students choose their career trajectory and follow a learning plan that helps them reach their goals. These career paths open the door to professions with greater autonomy compared to careers that are available to students without an MSN.
MSN Coursework
Nursing students can expect to take courses in an MSN depending on the specialized track that they choose. For example, an MSN focused on leadership may have classes such as Innovation in Nursing, geared toward helping future nursing leaders embrace innovations in health care.
A more education-focused track might include courses like Curriculum Development, in which today’s nursing students learn to create a curriculum to train tomorrow’s nurses.
Another track might be focused on public health, which can include classes like Epidemiology, teaching an essential understanding of how diseases affect certain populations differently.
Benefits of an MSN
Benefits of graduating from an MSN program include the following:
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Unpacking knowledge and skills to expand your scope of practice and access professions with greater autonomy
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Gaining specialized skills
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Planning for careers that make a difference in health care and health policy
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Preparing for professions with higher salaries
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Preparing for leadership roles
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Opening the door to increased career opportunities
What Does It Mean to Have Autonomy in Nursing?
Autonomy in nursing is the ability of nurses to make decisions related to a patient’s health without having to consult another supervising health care provider. Autonomy is one of four core ethical principles in nursing established by the American Nurses Association (ANA).
Not all nursing professions have the same degree of autonomy. Autonomy in nursing is determined by what’s allowed within the position’s scope of practice — the activities that a health care professional is licensed to perform as defined by state legislature and licensing bodies.
Having increased autonomy as a nurse leads to higher job satisfaction, but studies show that autonomy isn’t just good for the nurse. It’s beneficial for patients as well, as patients receiving care in locations that promote high levels of autonomy in nursing have a lower mortality rate and lower risk of complications leading to death.
Nursing Careers with Increased Autonomy
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Nurse Educator: Nurse educators work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community health organizations, and universities. In a clinical setting, they assist with patient care through education, such as by orienting new staff. In an academic setting, they’re more focused on preparing the next generation of health care professionals.
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Certified Nurse Midwife: A certified nurse midwife is another APRN. They focus on gynecological, prenatal, and reproductive care. They can deliver babies, as well as manage emergency situations during labor, repair lacerations, and assist during cesarean births.
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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist: A certified registered nurse anesthetist is also a type of APRN. They ensure that anesthesia can be safely delivered, administer anesthesia, monitor surgeries, and provide pain management.
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Forensic Nurse: Forensic nurses are nurses who have received specialized education and training focused on caring for patients who are experiencing acute or long-term health consequences associated with violence and victimization. They can work in various fields, including elder mistreatment or domestic violence, and they can work in many settings, including hospitals, anti-violence programs, or correctional institutions. They can also be called in to care for patients during mass disasters.
paring for a Nursing Career with Greater Autonomy with an MSN
Autonomy in nursing can make a nursing career not only more fulfilling and lucrative, but it can also enable nursing professionals to make a critical difference in the lives of their patients. These nursing professionals shape public policy, provide life-saving treatment, and offer specialized care.
The University of Tulsa’s Master of Science in Nursing prepares health care students for a more autonomous career where they’ll use their education and expertise to become leaders. With this degree, students dive into specialized education tracks, learning skills to become leaders, educators, public health specialists, and data-oriented managers.
Find out how TU can help you reach your goals.
Recommended Readings
Is an MSN Worth It? Reasons to Pursue This Advanced Degree
10 MSN Specialties: How a Concentration Can Help You Focus Your Degree
10 Nursing Certifications for MSN Graduates
Sources:
American Medical Association, “What Is Scope of Practice?”
American Nurses Association, “Shaping Future Healthcare: The Path to Becoming a Nurse Educator”
American Nurses Association, View the Code of Ethics for Nurses
International Association of Forensic Nurses, Forensic Nursing
