What characteristic of today's nurse emphasizes the ability to make independent decisions?

The characteristic that emphasizes the ability to make independent decisions in today's nursing practice is autonomy. Autonomy refers to the capacity and right of nurses to make informed decisions regarding patient care based on their clinical judgment and expertise. This is particularly important in a healthcare environment that increasingly values nurses as critical thinkers who can assess patient needs, prioritize care, and implement interventions without needing constant approval from physician staff.

Autonomy allows nurses to advocate for patients and to take initiative in complex situations, recognizing that they are often the first responders to a patient's needs. This independence is essential for promoting patient safety and improving outcomes, as nurses can react quickly and decisively when circumstances demand immediate action.

While collaboration is crucial in nursing for working with healthcare teams, it does not primarily focus on the independent decision-making aspect. Manual dexterity is important for performing clinical skills but is more related to the execution of tasks rather than decision-making. Professionalism encompasses a variety of attributes, including accountability and ethical practice, but it does not specifically highlight the independent decision-making ability that autonomy does.