Shared governance

[freckles23]

Hey all! So I finally finished my BSN and I want to get more involved with nursing committees/activites, etc. I have been on the cardiac/tele unit for 1 year but worked in another hospital for 2 1/2 years. I have been a practicing nurse for a total of 4 years. I am currently getting pressure from management and nurse educators to become co-chair of shared governance. I do not feel confident to partake in this role because I lack confidence in my nursing practice period. I feel like other nurses are alot smarter than me. At the hospital I was at for 2 1/2 years I was always in survival mode and not learning much, just trying to keep everyone alive and get thru med pass. But this current job allows me more time to learn skills and ask questions and think critically. I dont know if Id be a good fit for co-chair which eventually leads to chair the following year. It is kind of intimidating being close with management for this role. Anyone with experience in shared governance? What exactly do you do in shared governance? What other activites or committees are you a part of? I want to be more than just a staff nurse.

[JKL33]

1 hour ago, freckles23 said:

I want to be more than just a staff nurse.

There is no earned distinction that one is "more than just a staff nurse" by taking on additional roles while struggling for basic confidence within the staff nurse role. That's my personal opinion. Now perhaps you are judging yourself too harshly - but if you are truly having difficulty maneuvering with confidence in your daily obligations at work because your skills, knowledge base, and critical thinking are actually somewhat lacking, than all of that is priority #1.

If you have more time to learn skills and critical thinking, that is a rare opportunity and I would take advantage of that, first and foremost, while it exists - sincerely.

Best of luck ~ ??

[JKL33]

[Ugh. 15 minutes is up. "Than" >> then. ?]

[Daisy4RN]

While the idea of shared governance is a great idea I have yet to see any committee achieve the goals set in order to provide actual change in the work environment. IMO, most are set up for show and if any nurses have complaints that is managements go to excuse "well, if you were on the committee...blah blah..' That being said, yours might be the exception to the rule. You may be are selling yourself short (as JKL33 also says) but if you really don't want to do this and/or feel that you are not ready, just tell them no. This would be more work for you with (probably) no compensation and would take away time/energy from those issues you feel you need to learn. The only other thing I would add is if you are planning to further your career this may look good on a resume. Just decide if it is worth it to you at this time (pro v con). Either way you should not feel obligated to do this!