Shared Governance

Governance Principles

• Actualization of Magnet evidenced-based principles
• Care delivery model based on nursing theory of Jean Watson
• Shaping Professional Practice through a culture of inquiry
• Shared Governance is expected model of leadership for all nurses
• Lifelong learning is an expectation
• A healthy work environment inclusive of mutual accountability and trust is paramount

Governance Council

The Hospital Governance Council exists as a formal structure through which nurses in St. Peter’s Hospital can engage in identification and promotion of best practices that result in high quality patient care and optimum outcomes. Each unit/department has a shared governance council that mirrors the Hospital Governance Council. Unit/department councils have representation and report out monthly on unit progress at the hospital wide council. All nursing councils are represented at the governance council by their respective chairs. The Council meets monthly from 8 am- Noon.

Council work includes:

• Quality/Safety/Practice
• Education
• Healthy Work life

Following a three hour meeting of bedside nurses, the nursing managers and directors join the group to collaborate in promotion of the interventions which had been identified as best practice. This provides the opportunity for staff and leaders to engage in open dialogue about expectations and ensures all units leave with the same understanding of next steps for shared initiatives.

Shared Governance in Action

The Nursing Governance Council (NGC) is staff-driven and leader supported. NGC is:

• chaired by a staff nurse
• exists as a formal structure through which nurses can engage in identification and promotion of best practices that result in high quality patient care and optimum outcomes.

Each unit / department has a Shared Governance council that mirrors the NGC. These councils have representation at NGC.

Council work includes: 

• Quality / Safety / Practice 
• Education 
• Healthy Work life