Background:
Nurses make a difference every day through their passion for patient care, insightfulness, and knowing what needs to be done to improve care. Some would say we are the cornerstone for patient care. Nurses are at the bedside, holding a patent’s hand, comforting a loved one, handling emergencies and running non-stop for the entire shift. They make an impact in all areas of healthcare, at all levels. Not only do they have ideas on how to improve patient care but also around how to be more efficient. Nurses have carried out processes that they know will fail. They have tried to communicate thoughts and ideas; only to fall on deaf ears.
Why are hospitals not listening to the voice of the nurse? Maybe the culture isn’t where it needs to be or the foundation for hearing the voice of the nurse hasn’t been built. Maybe they don’t understand just how valuable and important this voice is.
Hospitals that have figured out solutions have seen positive results.
The Solution:
Involve the frontline. Create ownership and accountability. Listen to staff nurses.
It’s called Shared Governance, and it offers the perfect solution.
Tim Porter-O’Grady, a shared governance pioneer, defines shared governance as “a structural model through which nurses can express and manage their practice with a higher level of professional autonomy.”
Shared Governance has been around for about 50 years and has evolved several times with different thoughts and ideas on structure.
Empowering nurses to be accountable for decisions impacting policies, procedures and processes is meaningful. It creates value and improves the culture. The workplace is made up of multiple diverse generations; all of whom have valuable thoughts and ideas. Working together we can make positive change.
The Outcome:
Hospitals that have a shared governance model have shown improvement in nursing-sensitive issues, professional development and engagement, efficiency, interdisciplinary relationships, and patient satisfaction. Shared Governance has helped with future nurse development. Nurses learn how to lead, they gain a deeper appreciation for the interdisciplinary team, find new opportunities for mentoring and coaching, and they expand their professional network. Staff want to be part of decisions; they enjoy creating positive change and implementing processes that make work easier and patient care better. Researching evidence-based practice is exciting. Staff bring a wealth of knowledge and are just waiting for us to ask for involvement.
The Process:
To be successful, a process should be well thought out and followed. Communication of the ‘why’ is critical in order to be successful. Staff need to understand that their voice matters, that they are valued and appreciated. As leaders, it is our job to build and cultivate a culture where nurses feel comfortable speaking up without fear of retaliation in order for this to be successful.
Shared Governance doesn’t happen overnight. Committees and Unit Councils are to be developed, Bylaws, structure and mission statements outlined, elections organized, a process for how communication will take place and a timeline for implementation all need to occur.
Challenges will pop up. Staff not understanding their role, lack of teamwork, poor communication, time management are some examples. But there are solutions for all challenges. Hospitals have figured it out and are seeing tremendous success!
Leaders must allow staff time to participate in Unit Councils and Shared Governance Committees for success to happen. It takes a commitment, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. Healthcare is rapidly changing, and we should be working together, moving in the same direction to help our patients and staff.
There are over 4.0 million nurses nationwide.
Let’s allow the strong, powerful and valuable voice of the nurse to be a champion for change.
Shared Governance is a pillar of the American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet® and Pathway to Excellence® Recognition program cultures. The structure with these designations has been successful for years and nurses value the supportive, professional development. Voices are heard with these solid foundations. As a leader, are you ready to listen?
HealthLinx offers a Shared Governance Intensive built into Nursing Excellence Project Plans for those facilities that may benefit.
Check out our Shared Governance Case Study
