The Governance Council provides a uniform, efficient mechanism for the support of patient care operations, delivery of patient care and professional development of the nursing staff. The councils are designed to provide a formal mechanism for the nursing staff to impact change and advancement in practice, leadership and research. Opportunities are identified which improve the quality of patient care, efficiency of operations and professional growth. Shared governance capitalizes on the nurse’s knowledge of practice and integrates the nurse’s participation in decisions regarding care of patients and their practice.
All councils provide an opportunity for MCH nurses from all areas to meet regularly to discuss patient care. Each council communicates activities and issues relevant to patient care. Key issues and recommendations from councils are reported at the monthly Nursing Leadership Council. The Senior Vice President/ Chief Nursing Officer provides oversight to all councils. Governance is monitored by the Nursing Leadership Council to appropriately manage the scope of the council’s responsibility and to ensure that duplication is avoided.