Shared governance is becoming an increasingly common term at Baptist Hospital East, particularly with the nursing staff.

Simply put, shared governance is empowering and involving nurses in decision-making about their practice.

Baptist East has examples of shared governance already at work on several units, such as self-scheduling, plus employee teams who have redesigned the report process and improved call light response.

A desire strongly expressed in the employee satisfaction survey, shared governance fits in well with the Personal Responsibility in Delivering Excellence (PRIDE) customer service initiative and its call for responsibility paired with accountability.

Already at work is a shared governance infrastructure which includes a system of councils: a Nursing Practice Council; Nursing Quality & Research Council; and a Nursing Education and Professional Development Council.

A Coordinating Council of nursing leaders and staff co-chairs from the other councils keep an eye on the nursing strategic plan to ensure all groups are on track.

Boundaries have also been set to ensure that self-governance initiatives don't run afoul of other regulations, including The Joint Commission standards.

The practice council defines, develops and evaluates clinical nursing practices to deliver the best possible patient care. The goal of the education/professional development council is to provide a supportive learning environment which fosters individual and professional growth. The quality/research council's aim is to monitor outcomes and enssure quality nursing care while encouraging research efforts.

The overall goal of shared governance is to support the relationship between the nurse and the patient, promoting better outcomes, and creating an even more positive work environment.

The bottom line: it's better for patients. And, it has a powerful pull for nurses who have longed for a greater voice in their practice.

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