Shared Governance in Nursing!

Are you an engaged nurse or leader trying to promote positive change and empower staff? If so, consider creating a Unit Practice Council (UPC)!

As the healthcare landscape is ever-evolving, it is vital that as nurses we continue to improve upon our skills, knowledge, and autonomy. Shared governance has emerged as a game-changing approach that allows for this. This interprofessional and collaborative model of leadership empowers nurses and other healthcare staff at all levels to participate in decision-making processes, fostering a sense of ownership, accountability, and job satisfaction.

Why Shared Governance is Beneficial:

- Enhanced Job Satisfaction and Retention

When nurses feel heard and valued, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. This enhanced sense of ownership not only improves job satisfaction but also reduces turnover rates, as nurses are more likely to stay in environments where their contributions are recognized and their roles are meaningful.

- Improved Patient Outcomes

When nursing staff have a direct role in shaping policies and care protocols, they are more likely to implement these practices effectively. As nurses work directly alongside patients each day, they have crucial feedback for improvements.

- Professional Development and Leadership Growth

For those involved in the governance structure, this opportunity often translates into professional growth, as they can gain valuable experience that prepares them for higher levels of responsibility in nursing leadership. The development of these leadership skills not only benefits individual nurses but also helps build a strong nursing workforce that is capable of driving organizational change.

- Fostering a Collaborative Culture

Collaboration is vital in healthcare settings where patient care often requires a team approach. When nurses are empowered to work together and engage in discussions that influence policy, they are more likely to have positive working relationships with their colleagues across disciplines, ultimately leading to more effective teamwork and comprehensive care delivery.

- Increased Autonomy

The Shared Governance model provides frontline staff with the ability to create change autonomously. As leaders are not involved in structure, staff will feel more comfortable sharing valuable input and process change initiatives.

How to Create Shared Governance on Your Unit:

- Collaborate with unit leadership

Explain the benefits, address any noted concerns, and request feedback for implementation. Leadership can also support in resource requests.

- Spread awareness amongst staff.

Encourage the team to become involved to increase engagement and excitement about the opportunity to create meaningful change.

- Create by-laws or guidelines.

This will serve as a foundation for the shared governance structure. By-laws might include timing of meetings, attendance requirements, eligibility, and roles defining.

- Implement Roles (Chair, Co-chair, Secretary)

Clear roles will be essential for flow and collaboration. The chair will serve to oversee the council and provide guidance. Other roles that can be considered might be fundraising, social, treasurer, etc., depending on the goals of the council.

- Create Action Request Forms (ARF)

These can be submitted by staff for process change ideas or recommendations. ARFs can be submitted anonymously by any member of the department. Ideally, these forms will be reviewed once per month by the Chair and Co-chair to evaluate feasibility and follow up required.

- Host recurring meetings (monthly)

Frequent meetings aim to keep members accountable and continue ongoing collaboration.

- Share results throughout the organization to increase collaboration and involvement.

After acheiving positive results, be sure to spread knowledge across the organization. As more departments continue to create councils, it may pave way for a unified governance that can be overseen by the hospital executive team, further aiding in resources and greater change.

Shared Governance is truly an amazing way for staff to have a voice, ensuring that each component of the healthcare team is considered and represented! How can you implement it on your unit?