Shared Leadership
Shared Governance is one of the core components of Stanford Health
Care's Professional
Practice Model. The Shared Governance Model is an organizational
structure in which nurses and administrators collaboratively determine
nursing practice, standards and quality of care. It is founded on the
cornerstone principles of partnership, equity, accountability, &
ownership at the point of service.
The shared decision making that arises under the structure of Shared
Governance contributes to a work environment in which nurses control
their practice and exercise influence over organizational policies.
Shared Governance empowers the interdisciplinary staff to define,
implement and maintain current practice standards and to implement the
vision and strategic plan for patient care. To achieve this end, the
Coordinating Council provides oversight for the seven
organization-wide councils, all sub-councils/committees, and one or
more councils in each department/unit chartered to:
- Ensure patient safety and promote quality service.
- Drive accountability to the level of frontline staff.
- Provide a vehicle for staff to share in decision-making as
appropriate to the situation and the Council membership.
- Engage staff in innovative and collaborative problem-solving and
strategy development.
- Encourage discussion and resolution
of Clinical or professional operational issues.
At SHC, Shared Governance is practiced through established councils
in each of the following areas:
Practice
The purpose of the Practice Council is to oversee the development,
implementation and evaluation of practice standards and guidelines in
accordance with regulatory requirements, evidence-based literature and
practice, and professional organizations.
Research
The Research Council is a decision-making, advising and coordinating
body accountable for promoting research and the use of evidence-based
practice to assure excellent patient care. This Council assists in the
research process, fosters and supports investigative role development
among staff and disseminates results of investigative activities.
Nursing leadership
The Nursing Leadership Council provides leadership, coordination and
planning for nursing services within SHC. This Council also provides a
forum for Nursing Leaders in all departments to communicate about
common issues related to nursing practice, workflow, and the nursing
professional practice environment.
Professional growth and development
The Professional Growth & Development Council provides a forum
to address issues, explore strategies that promote a practice
environment which supports and enhances professional achievement and
role development, recognize contributions to SHC mission, and foster
the recruitment and retention of talented Clinical staff that support
the hospital vision of being the best medical center in the nation.
Patient advisory
The Patient Advisory Council enhances the patient care experience by
ensuring that the voices of patients and families are represented. The
Council is composed of patients who have been treated at SHC for a
broad range of medical condition, their family members, and staff
representatives. Their primary purpose is to address the concerns of
patients and families at all levels by representing patient and family
perspectives about the overall patient care experience here at SHC.
Education
The Education Council promotes Clinical competency and professional
growth by instituting an educational plan based on professional
expectations and responsibilities. This includes ensuring that the
educational plan is based on solid education principles and standards.
Quality
The Quality Council develops Quality Council members into quality
consultants by advancing their skills to accomplish expertise in
process and data analysis for select quality improvement initiatives.
Clinical informatics
The Clinical Informatics Council is responsible for collaborating
with unit professional nurses, other disciplines, and the Clinical
Informatics Department regarding informatics functionality and
workflows. The Council evaluates and recommends changes to optimize
the electronic medical records based on hospital and department goals,
objectives and improvement initiatives. The Council provides a forum
for interdisciplinary discussion of common application function
issues, feedback on enhancement requests or project work, and sharing
of best practice ideas.