A national model for participative management and policy development

This article describes the virtual application of an innovative administrative model that addresses national nursing policy issues in the Department of Veterans Affairs. Using a constituency center model of organization, nurse and interdisciplinary experts in the areas of clinical, education, administration, research and informatics are drawn from throughout the country to manage projects that meet the specifications of the national nursing service strategic plan. The impetus for the development of the model, examples products developed and areas of interest explored to date, and an evaluation of the first 18 months of experience are discussed.