Rajanee Singh evaluated shared governance as a source of nurse empowerment at a small non-profit hospital in Florida seeking Magnet designation.

Rajanee Singh, RN, DNP. Shared Governance As a Source of Nurse Empowerment. Doctoral Capstone (2010), Florida Atlantic University; Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Abstract

Shared governance is the decision-making process that empowers employees and gives them autonomy over practice. Specifically, it aims to engage staff nurses in decision-making so they can develop a sense of autonomy and responsibility for their actions. In addition, organizations can use shared governance to engage staff with the rapidly changing healthcare environment and to create cultures that fortify the organization against healthcare shortages. As a result, employing a model of shared governance has the potential to improve nurses’ perception of their professional practice environments, promote staff satisfaction, and encourage retention.

This project evaluated the implementation of shared governance at a small non-profit hospital in Florida seeking magnet designation. Kanter’s structural theory of empowerment served as the conceptual framework. A nonprobability, purposive sample included 325 direct and indirect registered nurses from 20 units within the hospital. Ultimately, 123 participants completed The Index of Professional Nursing Governance (IPNG) survey.

Questions? Contact the author, Rajanee Singh.