Governance Structures in Nursing
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the different governance structures available for nurse managers to utilize while managing their nursing team. This paper provides information on the two types of governance structures: shared governance and centralized governance. The resources used were many different articles from nursing journals, nursing websites, as well as one nursing book. The findings in the many articles gave vast information about the two types of structural governance, each discussing topics revolving around the importance of patient safety, and nurse empowerment.
Governance Structures for Nurses to Consider There are many factors for a nurse to consider when accepting an employment opportunity. One very important issue to consider is the governance structures utilized at each work place. Each structure has a variety of pros and cons described in a vast array of nursing literature. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the issues surrounding two different types of governance structures: shared governance and centralized governance. The decision to work for an employer that utilizes either type of governance structure affects every part of a nurse’s employment. With the use of the appropriate education, it is clear that the best option is to be employed at a company that utilizes a centralized governance.
Shared governance was introduced to nurses in the late 1970’s as a type of bargaining tool in order to obtain quality nurses. This tool was said to be beneficial for the nurse as well as the hospital. By hiring these ‘quality nurses’, the hospital could ensure patient safety at a much higher percentage (Robertson-Malt, Chapman, 2008). Porter-O’Grady introduced the concept of shared governance to nursing practice. He emphasized that “shared governance is a professional practice model based clearly in the principles of partnership, equity, accountability, and ownership at the unit level where the
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the different governance structures available for nurse managers to utilize while managing their nursing team. This paper provides information on the two types of governance structures: shared governance and centralized governance. The resources used were many different articles from nursing journals, nursing websites, as well as one nursing book. The findings in the many articles gave vast information about the two types of structural governance, each discussing topics revolving around the importance of patient safety, and nurse empowerment.
Governance Structures for Nurses to Consider There are many factors for a nurse to consider when accepting an employment opportunity. One very important issue to consider is the governance structures utilized at each work place. Each structure has a variety of pros and cons described in a vast array of nursing literature. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the issues surrounding two different types of governance structures: shared governance and centralized governance. The decision to work for an employer that utilizes either type of governance structure affects every part of a nurse’s employment. With the use of the appropriate education, it is clear that the best option is to be employed at a company that utilizes a centralized governance.
Shared governance was introduced to nurses in the late 1970’s as a type of bargaining tool in order to obtain quality nurses. This tool was said to be beneficial for the nurse as well as the hospital. By hiring these ‘quality nurses’, the hospital could ensure patient safety at a much higher percentage (Robertson-Malt, Chapman, 2008). Porter-O’Grady introduced the concept of shared governance to nursing practice. He emphasized that “shared governance is a professional practice model based clearly in the principles of partnership, equity, accountability, and ownership at the unit level where the