Shared governance is a participatory decision-making model in nursing where nurses and interdisciplinary teams collaborate to make informed choices regarding practice standards, quality improvement, professional development, and research. This collaborative approach aims to achieve improved outcomes and shared success. Shared governance aligns with hospital policies, the nursing professional practice model, organizational strategic plans, and fiscal responsibility.
Key Facts
- Definition: Shared governance is a working model of participatory decision-making in which nurses and the interdisciplinary team follow an organized decision-making process about practice standards, quality improvement, professional development, and research leading to improved outcomes and shared success.
- Key Elements: Shared governance includes shared accountability, shared vision, collaborative partnerships, and focuses on outcomes leading to shared success. It aligns with hospital policies, the nursing professional practice model, organizational strategic plan, and fiscal responsibility.
- Interdisciplinary Process: Shared governance is not limited to nursing alone. It is an interdisciplinary process in which various disciplines from across the hospital identify issues and collaborate to determine solutions.
- Benefits: The most common benefit of shared governance is empowerment. It allows nurses and front-line teams to have a voice in decision-making, leading to increased engagement and improved outcomes. It also encourages innovative practices, prevents stagnation, and promotes growth.
- Structure: Shared governance is typically organized through unit-level councils that represent different areas of care. These councils depend on leadership support and staff engagement to be successful. However, many organizations struggle with the implementation, integration, and sustainability of shared governance due to a lack of a clear vision and support.
Key Elements of Shared Governance
Shared governance encompasses several key elements, including:
- Shared accountability: Nurses and interdisciplinary team members share responsibility for decision-making and outcomes.
- Shared vision: The team works towards a common vision and goals.
- Collaborative partnerships: Nurses and other disciplines work together to identify issues and develop solutions.
- Focus on outcomes: The goal of shared governance is to achieve improved patient outcomes and organizational success.
Benefits of Shared Governance
Shared governance offers several benefits, including:
- Empowerment: Nurses and front-line teams have a voice in decision-making, leading to increased engagement and improved outcomes.
- Innovation: Shared governance encourages innovative practices, preventing stagnation and promoting growth.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Shared governance fosters collaboration among various disciplines, leading to more comprehensive solutions.
- Improved Patient Outcomes: By involving nurses and other healthcare professionals in decision-making, shared governance can lead to improved patient outcomes.
Structure of Shared Governance
Shared governance is typically organized through unit-level councils representing different areas of care. These councils depend on leadership support and staff engagement to be successful. However, many organizations struggle with implementing, integrating, and sustaining shared governance due to a lack of a clear vision and support.
Conclusion
Shared governance is a valuable model that promotes collaboration, empowerment, and improved outcomes in nursing. By involving nurses and interdisciplinary teams in decision-making, shared governance can enhance the quality of care and patient satisfaction.
FAQs
What is shared governance in nursing?
Shared governance is a participatory decision-making model in nursing where nurses and interdisciplinary teams collaborate to make informed choices regarding practice standards, quality improvement, professional development, and research.
What are the key elements of shared governance?
Shared governance includes shared accountability, shared vision, collaborative partnerships, and a focus on outcomes leading to shared success.
What are the benefits of shared governance?
Shared governance empowers nurses and front-line teams, encourages innovation, promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, and leads to improved patient outcomes.
How is shared governance structured?
Shared governance is typically organized through unit-level councils representing different areas of care. These councils depend on leadership support and staff engagement to be successful.
What are some challenges to implementing shared governance?
Many organizations struggle with implementing, integrating, and sustaining shared governance due to a lack of a clear vision and support.
How can shared governance be improved?
Shared governance can be improved by providing clear guidelines, ensuring adequate resources, promoting leadership support, and encouraging staff engagement.
How does shared governance contribute to improved patient outcomes?
Shared governance involves nurses and other healthcare professionals in decision-making, leading to improved communication, collaboration, and patient care.
How does shared governance promote professional growth and development?
Shared governance provides nurses with opportunities to participate in decision-making, engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, and contribute to improving patient care, all of which contribute to professional growth and development.