Professional Autonomy of Nurses in the Context of the Development of Higher Nursing Education in the Kyrgyz Republic

Issues related to the professional autonomy of nurses are becoming increasingly important in the context of healthcare reforms and the development of higher nursing education. Expanding the professional independence of nurses is considered one of the key directions for improving the quality of healthcare services, patient safety, and the overall effectiveness of healthcare organizations. This article presents the results of a study aimed at assessing nurses’ attitudes toward professional autonomy in the Kyrgyz Republic. The study was conducted using an anonymous survey involving 944 nurses from different regions of the country. The findings demonstrated that the majority of respondents support the expansion of professional autonomy and greater involvement of nurses in organizational and managerial decision-making processes. Differences in the perception of professional autonomy were identified according to age, work experience, and professional position. The analysis also revealed positive relationships between professional autonomy, leadership competencies, participation in management activities, and the development of higher nursing education. The results indicate that the further advancement of nursing practice requires improvement of nursing education, expansion of professional development opportunities, and strengthening of the role of nurses within the healthcare system. The findings may be useful for the development of educational programs, workforce policies, and strategies aimed at advancing nursing in the Kyrgyz Republic.