'I mean, obviously you're using your discretion': Nurses Use of Discretion in Policy Implementation

Citation

Hoyle L (2014) 'I mean, obviously you're using your discretion': Nurses Use of Discretion in Policy Implementation. Social Policy and Society, 13 (2), pp. 189-202. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1474746413000316

Abstract
This article explores the application of Lipsky's (1980) notion of street-level bureaucracy for nursing staff. This article aims to demonstrate the importance of discretion within the day-to-day work of front-line nursing staff, which is similar to that of other public-sector workers. The findings are from an exploratory case study based within a Scottish inner-city hospital. It specifically focuses on how nurses can be seen to be street-level bureaucrats and how front-line nursing staff interpret policy. Discretion can be seen to be a significant feature within the front-line practice of nursing staff and this may have implications for the implementation of health policy.

Keywords
Lipsky; discretion; health policy; nursing; policy implementation; street-level bureaucracy;

Journal
Social Policy and Society: Volume 13, Issue 2

People

Dr Louise Hoyle

Senior Lecturer in Nursing, Health Sciences Stirling