Final answer:
The nurse highly values autonomy as the freedom of choice and responsibility for those choices satisfies them in their nursing unit. Autonomy leads to empowerment and greater job satisfaction, which is a key factor in shared decision-making.
Step-by-step explanation:
The staff member's satisfaction in working on a particular nursing unit due to the freedom of choice and responsibility indicates that the nurse highly values autonomy. Autonomy in this context means having the independence to make decisions about one's work and being responsible for the outcomes of those decisions.
This concept is essential in shared decision-making as it empowers individuals and may lead to greater job satisfaction. In fact, when considering the most predictive factor of overall job satisfaction, autonomy stands out as a crucial element, as indicated by research and organizational studies. For many professionals, having control over their work environment and choices can create a more satisfying work experience compared to external factors such as financial rewards.