Collaborative governance in the postanesthesia care unit

The administration at Schumpert Medical Center, Shreveport, LA, is committed to empowering the nursing staff. Due to this commitment, the postanesthesia nurses developed a collaborative governance program that is based on empowerment. This article discusses how to begin the development and implementation process, address staff concerns, and facilitate acceptance of the finished program by the staff. This program has become a successful model for the collaborative governance program at the author's hospital and has resulted in a stimulating and caring working environment for the professional.