Shared Governance

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Jun 12, 2004

they like those concepts dont they

lsyorke, RN · Jun 12, 2004

Empty administrative "newspeak" in the 3 facilities that I've worked at that tried it. Nothing changed, but it looked real pretty on paper!!!

Beaner · Jun 12, 2004

Hi, we are in the process of attaining Magnet status at my hospital. And up popped this new concept. I am in charge of starting up a Shared Governance in my unit. I don't have a clue on what it is all about. I have the same concerns as others: Is this just to look pretty on paper? Or does it really work? Any advice will be helpful.

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Jun 12, 2004

Found a good article on this concept:

http://www.nursingworld.org/ojin/topic23/tpc23_1.htm

And here is a link to a hospital (SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital) that claims to have a form of Shared Governance with its nursing staff:

http://www.upstate.edu/nursing/gov.shtml

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Jun 12, 2004

We aren't a Magnet hospital, but our NM uses the shared governance concept. It has its up & down sides, like anything. The up side is that we have more autonomy in how things are run on our floor. The charge nurses seem to have more of a say in how things are run, anyway- which can be good, as they are more in touch with floor issues. The down side is that you have some people that need a babysitter and can't solve things for themselves in a mature manner. So, since they can't solve things for themselves, they may feel unsupported by the NM when she doesn't butt in and save the day. The NM acts as more of a resource person, and does get involved if she needs to.

Personally, I like it. I'd rather solve my own problems if I can, as it enables me to learn from certain situations. The only problems I've had with it are mostly interpersonal ones. You might have a bully or a backbiter who takes advantage of the situation, and uses it to continue their behavior, knowing the boss will stay out of it.

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Jun 12, 2004

Thanks for sharing your perspective.

Beaner · Jun 12, 2004

Thanks for the info Vicky. I'm printing it out as we speak to share with my staff.

Found a good article on this concept:
http://www.nursingworld.org/ojin/topic23/tpc23_1.htm
And here is a link to a hospital (SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital) that claims to have a form of Shared Governance with its nursing staff:
http://www.upstate.edu/nursing/gov.shtml

Trauma Columnist · Jun 12, 2004

We use a shared governance model in our hospital and it has contributed greatly to the everyday running of things. It has also facilitated greater tuition reimbursement and clinical ladders. Work and your profession is all about what you are willing to put into it.

deathnurse · Jun 22, 2004

When you're saving money, you won't see snazzy ideas such as these. When you've got OPM (other people's money) from universities, county facilities, and so on, you start to see the paper mill projects come to light.

They need more nurses, higher salaries, and better retirement. Not "Shared Governance."

Trauma Columnist · Jun 22, 2004

deathnurse - actually - our hospital (550 beds) runs in the black so I think that points to the fact that something is working. We also did $42 million dollars worth of charity care last year!

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Jun 22, 2004

I agree with Trauma- we're in the same situation financially...Level 1 trauma, not-for-profit. It's given us the same benefits as well. We haven't gone union, so they must be doing something right.