Gli infermieri negli ospedali alla ricerca di autonomia. I risultati di un'indagine nelle aziende sanitarie pubbliche italiane

The article presents the results of a research project aimed at delineating the real impact of the evolution of the nursing profession in Italy over the last 20 years. The research project involved the administration of a questionnaire (with a 54% response rate) to 295 public health care organizations, which was designed to (i) reveal the characteristics of the role and relative responsibilities connected to the organization's head of nursing service; and (ii) describe the organizational structure delegated to the administration of the professional nursing activities, through the identification of the responsibilities (the contents of the role). The data collected allowed for (i) the identification of models to which the nursing services of the health care organizations may refer; (ii) the analysis of coordinating mechanisms; and (iii) the evaluation of the level of autonomy of nursing competence and any related managerial responsibilities.