Shared governance gives voice to direct-care staff, with decisions based on the chorus of nurses at all levels rather than a leadership solo. In 2005 nursing staff and leaders in this institution were inspired by the new Chief Nursing Officer to design an evidence-based shared governance model as the first step in our Magnet Journey.

Empowering nurses at the point-of-care, Unit Based Councils (UBCs) are thefoundation of this model. Nursing Practice Councils (NPCs) integrate all UBCs,encouraging examination of nursing practice interests through a wider lens. Finally,the Professional Practice Council brings NPC staff, specialty support nurses, and leaders together to oversee global practice issues and improvements.