For over ten years, the Nursing Service Organization of Albert Einstein Medical Center has supported the Nursing Research Council (NRC) as a functional component of a councilor model of Shared Governance. The goal of NRC was to integrate research concepts into the decision-making processes of the practice, education, quality, and management councils. The NRC’s work included overseeing research activities within the department, hosting biannual “Nursing Grand Rounds”, and sponsoring the annual “Possible Quest” contest, a competition that encouraged nursing staff to ask the proverbial “why” question in reference to a nursing tradition or practice norm. Applicants posed a question, completed a brief literature review, and proposed the “next step” in the research inquiry. Winners received cash awards to support research-based activities in relation to finding the answer to their question. Although the NRC annual outcomes were deemed successful, the true integration of research council work and acceptance of its importance as an equal player in the Shared Governance model was lacking.
Network reorganization created a need to redesign the Shared Governance structure of the nursing departments. The restructuring provided an opportunity to move from research utilization processes to Evidence-Based Practice principles integrated throughout Shared Governance decision-making processes. A conscience decision was made to create a matrix organization that incorporated all components of governance while addressing the unique needs of each nursing specialty. Goals for the redesign included maximizing opportunities for all staff to participate and creating work groups with similar decision needs and equal stature at the network table. The redefined model is structured to include nursing units, specialty clusters, and a network council. The decision making process intentionally combines all functional components of shared governance. The resulting project management approach mandates the inclusion of evidence as a required step in the definition of clinical practice standards.
Back to Facilitating Evidence-Based Practice in a Shared Governance Nursing Organization
Back to International Evidence-Based Practice Preconference
Sigma Theta Tau International
9 July 2003