Table 3 Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) of nurses’ work autonomy level in making unit operation decisions (N = 212)

1. Develop unit goals

1

5

(3.23–3.60)

3.42

1.37

2. Determine personal breaks and meal times

1

5

(3.10–3.48)

3.29

1.42

3. Implement new ideas, i.e., class

1

5

(3.05–3.45)

3.24

1.40

4. Assign patients to staff members

1

5

(3.03–3.41)

3.22

1.40

5. Update and modify standards for care

1

5

(2.97–3.35)

3.16

1.38

6. Set agendas for staff meetings

1

5

(2.92–3.31)

3.11

1.43

7. Organize trading hours for the unit

1

5

(2.98–3.36)

3.17

1.43

8. Decide on the method of delivering care

1

5

(2.88–3.25)

3.07

1.38

9. Revise unit procedures within the department

1

5

(2.80–3.21)

3.00

1.48

10. Update and modify unit policies

1

5

(2.80–3.20)

3.00

1.46

11. Participate in department/hospital committees

1

5

(2.85–2.24)

3.04

1.45

12. Determine quality assurance indicators

1

5

(2.79–3.19)

2.99

1.47

13. Schedule individual work hours

1

5

(2.77–3.16)

2.97

1.43

14. Initiate research activities

1

5

(2.77–3.17)

2.97

1.48

15. Conduct peer review evaluations for nurses

1

5

(2.68–3.03)

2.85

1.30

16. Select new equipment and supplies

1

5

(2.54–2.90)

2.72

1.32

17. Define the job description of staff nurses

1

5

(2.38–2.74)

2.56

1.34

18. Present unit in service

1

5

(2.24–2.66)

2.45

1.53

19. Identify reasons for variances in unit budget

1

5

(2.09–2.44)

2.27

1.29

20. Plan the unit’s annual budget

1

5

(2.04–2.41)

2.22

1.38

21. Conduct interviews and choose new staff members

1

5

(2.21–2.62)

2.41

1.51