Résumé
Reflexivity is a central process to the role of the nurse anaesthetist. Reflexivity enablesacquisition of knowledge, expertise and emancipation. The autonomy of the nurseanaesthetist, inherent to the practice, calls for clinical reasoning and the capacity forpersonal reflection in action. However, a paradoxical injunction between controlled autonomy, collaboration and cooperation with the anesthesiologist makes the reflexivity and autonomy conception in the practice of anesthesia poorly or not well defined. Similarly, the role of reflexivity in the development of autonomy is scarcely studied in the literature. The study aimed to question whether reflexivity was necessarily a tool for building the autonomy of the nurse anaesthetist.This qualitative phenomenological multicenter research was conducted throughcomprehensive interviews with six nurse anaesthetists. The results showed that autonomy varied according to the presence or absence of reflexivity in the care situation, particularly in the context of emergency. Reflexivity was notsystematically necessary for achieving autonomy in this context, since it involved reflexes and a prescription. Autonomy, when thought-provoking for the nurse anaesthetist, was embedded in leadership, understanding the anesthesia strategy, and positioning within the team and with the anesthesiologist. These were representations of the scope of practice for professionals. The study shedded light on the metaparadigm of the University of Montreal, highlighting reflexivity in the scope of autonomous practice of the nurse anaesthetist. It confirms the utility of reflective practice for building autonomy and competence, particularly when stepping out of the comfort zone in complex and urgent care situations. The study may be supplemented by an observational study or a narrative story.