Nursing

Introduction

The shared governance model at CARE provides nurses with the opportunity to participate in the establishment of nursing practice, standards, and the level of care. This model demonstrates the elevated professional stature of the nurses at CARE hospitals. The objectives of CARE Nursing Shared Governance are as follows:

1. Establish a framework that will enable nurses to exercise a higher degree of professional autonomy in directing their practice.
2. Define the extent of the Unit-Based Councils' accountability, authority, and responsibility for practice-related decisions.
3. Develop a framework and methodology for the coordination and communication of unit-based councils and management;
4. Provide the unit-based council with the necessary resources to foster problem-solving and decision-making within the unit.

The Council structure is a substantial shared governance mechanism for nursing at CARE. Nursing professionals are involved in the Councils, which are decision-making bodies, in the establishment of objectives and priorities, as well as the formulation of decisions that affect nursing practice, patient care, or other aspects of professional practice. The professional nursing staff coordinates, administers, and organizes the provision of nursing care services through its Councils. Individual nursing divisions address concerns and issues related to professional development, education, performance evaluation/research, and practice. The unit-based councils are responsible for addressing issues that are specific to the patient population of the unit.

UNIT-BASED COUNCILS

GOAL

The Unit-Based Councils identify areas for nursing practice improvement in their respective units or departments that will enhance the quality of patient care. The Unit-Based Council framework is the primary approach used by staff nurses to make operational and professional practice decisions at the unit level.

Objectives

1. To uphold and guarantee the highest standards of patient safety and care quality by implementing policies, procedures, and research that are founded on the most reliable evidence.

2. To identify areas in which nursing practice can be enhanced to ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care.

CENTRAL COUNCILS
Shared governance under CARE is comprised of central councils.

A. Nursing Professional Practice & Quality Council

GOAL

The Nursing Professional Practice & Quality Council is responsible for the following: the development of the culture of professional practice, the establishment of nursing practice standards, the assessment of nursing practice, the identification and analysis of nurse-sensitive indicators, and the specification of the professional and functional roles of the Registered Nurse. Additionally, the council is responsible for the creation of the theory and body of evidence for nursing practice.

Objectives

1. To ensure that the patient is the focal point of all nursing and healthcare activities.
2. To establish, evaluate, and revise evidence-based nursing standards of care, rules, guidelines, and instruction for CARE Nursing.
3. To enhance the quality of patient outcomes by enhancing systems and processes.
4. To consistently elevate the standard of nursing practice in accordance with the most recent research and advanced practice guidelines.

B. Nursing Professional Development Council

GOAL

The Nursing Professional Development Council promotes the professional development of all nursing staff members by offering educational programs that address professional nursing practice. The council is dedicated to the development of the nursing profession and the preservation of a practice culture that is founded on the principles of professional practice and role competency.

Objectives

1. To establish, implement, and maintain educational standards that facilitate the development of clinical expertise and career advancement.
2. To encourage and support nursing staff in their pursuit of additional education and professional certification.
3. To elucidate and expand the role of the professional nurse at CARE.

C. Nursing Research Council and Evidence-Based Practice

GOAL

The Evidence-Based Practice and Nursing Research Council (ERC) promotes nursing research-related activities that are essential for the improvement of evidence-based practice, the integrity of results, and cost-effective patient care.

Objectives

1. To enhance patient care outcomes by promoting primary nursing research and evidence-based nursing practice.
2. To provide staff nurses with training in research techniques and procedures for the assessment and implementation of clinically appropriate evidence-based practice.
3. To expedite the approval and execution of primary nursing research initiatives.
4. To facilitate the publication of nursing research projects and evidence-based nursing practice in both written and verbal formats.

D.Nursing Advocacy Council

GOAL

The Nursing Advocacy Council is dedicated to the protection of the rights, interests, and well-being of nursing staff, patients, and their families. The council endeavors to foster a culture of advocacy by enabling nurses to ensure that all voices are heard and respected within the healthcare environment, advance ethical practice, and influence positive change.

Objectives:

1. Foster patient-centered care by assisting nurses in advocating for the rights, safety, and preferences of patients.
2. Encourage nursing staff to advocate for ethical issues and engage in decision-making at all levels of care.
3. Create a supportive environment in which nurses can collaboratively pursue solutions, report concerns, and address workplace challenges.
4. Provide nurses with information regarding the resources available to both patients and staff, as well as the current healthcare policies and advocacy skills.
5. Work in conjunction with interdisciplinary teams and leadership to promote policies and practices that align with advocacy principles.

NURSING LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

GOAL

The Nursing Leadership Council is committed to advancing nursing excellence, fostering professional growth, and supporting optimal patient outcomes. The council strives to empower nurse leaders at all levels by promoting collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for high-quality care within the healthcare organization.

Objectives:

1. Cultivate leadership skills among nursing staff through mentorship, education, and professional development opportunities.
2. Guide the implementation of evidence-based practices and quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care.
3. Facilitate open communication and collaboration among nurse leaders through central councils, staff, and interdisciplinary teams.
4. Support a positive, inclusive, and resilient nursing work environment by identifying and addressing challenges and recognizing achievements.
5. Advise and partner with organizational leadership to develop and implement policies that reflect the values and goals of the nursing profession

NURSING EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

GOAL

The Nursing Executive Council is devoted to elevating and advancing the practice of nursing by utilizing the principles of shared governance. The council provides both strategic and operational direction for CARE Nursing, fostering a culture of professional excellence and continuous improvement.

Objectives

1. Offer comprehensive oversight and visionary leadership to guide CARE Nursing in achieving its mission and objectives.
2. Serve as a catalyst for change by establishing the infrastructure and delivering the leadership support necessary to drive innovation and excellence in nursing practice