The ABC of committee work 2: How meetings are conducted

The first part of this article looked at the roles of the officers in a committee. This second part illustrates for nurses how committee meetings should be conducted. Rules govern the way meetings are announced and who may be present. The opening and closing of meetings need to be properly defined and conducted. Most committee meetings adopt the same agenda format. General conduct and the order of business are equally universal but latitude is exercised in less formal committees. Awareness of proper committee procedures makes it much more comfortable and satisfying to participate in meetings.