There are six individual councils under Nursing Shared Governance that meet regularly to address nursing issues in the Delaware Valley. These include:
Executive Council
The Executive Council is committed to improving and advancing nursing practice through the structures that comprise the governance model. The Executive Council members are the Chair and Chair-Elect of the Congress; the Chairs of the governance councils (Practice, Quality, Research and Education, Informatics, and Nurse Management); the Chief Nurse Executive; and the Director of Nursing Excellence.
The Chair of the Congress also holds the position of Chair of the Executive Council. The members of Executive Council work together to act as an advisory council to the Chair of the Congress to plan agendas, ensure alignment with goals of the department of nursing, and to assess and monitor the effectiveness of the Congress.
Nurse Management Council
The role of the Nurse Management Council is to strategically foster an environment that supports excellence in nursing practice, quality, research and education, and positive patient outcomes. We do this through staff support and accountabilities to fiscal, material, and human resources as well as organizational systems. The council reports to the Shared Governance Congress and acts as a liaison to other hospital-based committees.
Informatics Council
The Informatics Council is charged with enhancing the electronic documentation system and beside technology to improve the nursing workflow, promote patient safety, and clarify nursing documentation. We receive and analyze reports regarding performance improvement and safety data, including medication barcoding, remedy tickets, and Vocera (the new wireless, hands-free communication used by staff). The council reports to the Shared Governance Congress and provides periodic updates to the hospital’s Bedside Technology Committee and EMR Taskforce.
Practice Council
The purpose of the Practice Council is to develop, evaluate, and revise evidence-based nursing standards of care, policies, procedures, and educational materials for the Department of Nursing. The council reports activities to the Nursing Shared Governance Executive Council and to the Nursing Shared Governance Congress.
Quality Council
The Quality Council provides a planned, systematic, and collaborative approach to overseeing and directing nursing activities related to quality, including the identification and analysis of nursing quality indicators. The Quality Council reports to the Shared Governance Congress and provides periodic updates to the hospital’s Performance and Safety Improvement Committee.
Research and Education Council
The purpose of the Research and Education Council is to develop, monitor, and asses educational and research opportunities for nurses that enhance professional practice and promote evidence-based practice and high-quality, family-centered patient care. Our goal is to foster the belief that professional education is a lifelong process for nurses at all levels. The Research and Education Council reports to the Shared Governance Congress and also provides periodic updates to the Hospital Education Committee.