Nursing Shared Governance

In its simplest form, shared governance is shared decision-making based on the principles of partnership, equity, accountability, and ownership at the point of service. This management process model empowers all members of the healthcare workforce to have a voice in decision-making, thus encouraging diverse and creative input that will help advance the business and healthcare missions of the organization. In essence, it makes every employee feel like he or she is “part manager” with a personal stake in the success of the organization.

Summa’s Nursing Shared Governance Model has unit-based clinical practice councils that discuss and resolve nursing practice and process issues that affect the unit. The Nursing Leadership Council, Nursing Recruitment and Retention Council, and Nursing Research Council provide forums for discussion and communication of strategies to promote shared governance or review research studies to enhance practice.  Practice issues affecting multiple units go to the Nurse Practice Councils for further discussion and resolution. The Nursing Cabinet (nursing leadership group) is at the center of the model providing support to all Councils.