Professional Governance
What is Professional Nursing Governance?
Professional governance is a structure that empowers professional, direct-care registered nurses to contribute collaboratively as decision makers regarding the nursing practice environment.
What does the Sarah Bush Lincoln Professional Nursing Governance do?
The purpose of professional nursing governance at Sarah Bush Lincoln is to empower registered nurses to share in leadership by identifying concerns and driving decisions to improve professional practice, patient care, quality, and safety in order to strengthen our culture of excellence while providing trusted, compassionate care to all and promoting healthy communities.
History
2016
In August of 2016, a group of 16 registered nurses throughout the organization formed the first Professional Nursing Governance council at Sarah Bush Lincoln. The initial purpose of the council was to ensure that direct care nursing staff had a voice in the care that they provide to patients every day.
2017
After its formation in 2016, the global council began building a foundation. This foundation included the development of structures, processes, team building, community outreach and the initiation of unit based councils.
2018
In 2018, the council worked to complete several goals. They completed the formation of by-laws, the development of a visual model, and the creation of a webpage for the SBL nursing site. In addition to accomplishing these goals, the council continued to work with nursing leadership in various aspects of the nursing profession, such as patient experience, evidence based practice, patient safety, and professional development.
2019
So far in 2019, the global council has participated in many different projects. Some of these include peer review and clinical ladder. The council also hosted their first ever Professional Nursing Governance Retreat at U-Hotel in Charleston on Tuesday, September 24. Members from each unit based council were invited to join this fun and educational leadership experience.
2020
Early 2020, the council developed a written onboarding process for new global council member and worked to increase clinical ladder participation. With the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic the council continued their work by utilizing Zoom meeting services. The clinical ladder subcommittee made changes to the point tracker by awarding points for years of service at SBL and years of nursing experience. The group was presented information on emotional intelligence and its relationship to leadership. This presentation was saved and made available to unit councils. Global council members also received information on Evidence Based Practice and how nursing staff can utilize it in their own practices. While the Pandemic continued, global council addressed concerns of staff nurse wellbeing with the additional stress seen at work. “Code Lavender" system was developed to support nurses during times of difficulty, encouraging relaxation and provided support. This project was rolled out by 2 South. ROSE Awards were adopted by various units wishing to recognize support personnel. The group also started discussions of staff retention plans. At the end of 2020, Global council participated in a Christmas project of a clothing drive benefiting inpatient behavioral health. They collected sweaters, pants, coats, underwear, and socks.
2021
Continuing with Zoom meetings, the council worked to ensure each unit had access to their professional nursing organization's standards of practice. The council grew by adding a representative from the Surgery Center. Future growth was anticipated with interest from the Cancer Center, Cardiac Services, and the APRN group to form unit councils. In person meetings resumed and the group started addressing the appropriateness of current staffing plans with the CNO every other month. This allows each unit to share challenges and communicate adequacy. Unit based retention was addressed through ensuring lunch breaks during shifts. All units reported their lunch time process in hopes other units could trial other options if needed. Presentations were provided by Infection Control about their role in the hospital and by Safety Quality Risk discussing a new program called Enterprise Risk Management. A unit need was communicated for a universal form for handoff communication between care partners/ techs. This issue was explored and carried out by the education department. The group learned about Magnet Designation and SBL's Culture of Excellence; exploring topics like structural empowerment and transformational leadership. Global council focused on increasing the percent of certified nurses at SBL by identifying nurses eligible and when additional nurses would also be eligible and working with unit leaders to encourage certification. A group of nurses involved in PNG attended the American Organization of Nursing Leaders' Leading Professional Governance Virtual Conference. To wrap up the year, a clothing drive was held for inpatient behavioral health and held a collection of household items, donated to The Haven.
2022
The year began by diving into SBL's Culture of Excellence journey. Nurse sensitive clinical indicators, nursing satisfaction survey, patient satisfaction scores, and certification and BSN achievement plans were discussed. SBL Library Services presented information to the group on resources available and how they would benefit nurses. In March, members of the global council and unit based councils attended an interactive seminar "What it Takes to Succeed as a Council". The group grew by adding a representative from the Pain Clinic and Nursing Supervision. Home Health and Hospice separated their councils, adding a member representing Hospice. Global Council members worked to distribute information on Clinical Ladder changes, including more points and opportunities for recognition. The group discussed the benefits of including unit educators in unit councils and collaborating competency work within the group. Most unit councils have begun this process. Information was distributed to staff nurses to ensure their education and certification achievements were up to date in the SBL database. The Global Council Chairperson was decided to serve as the Nursing Care Committee co-chair. Nearing the end of the year, community needs were addressed and the Global Council supported the One Stop Community Christmas pajama drive benefiting the area's youth.
Look "past simple notions of empowerment and seriously look at empowerment as a frame of reference for engaging the staff more fully in those decisions that affect what they do".
~Tim Porter O'Grady