Unit-based shared governance can work!

The Nurse Executive Council at a 540-bed community teaching health center planned and implemented Shared Governance in a 10-bed Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU). Paid time was provided for nurses to take part in one of four councils. After a pilot year resulting in satisfaction with job autonomy and input into decision-making, staff reaffirmed their commitment to shared governance as a permanent "way of life" in the MICU. During the second year, patient care assistants and unit clerks were integrated into the Councils and staff began serving as consultants to other units and institutions.