Nursing Councils

Nursing Professionalism Council

Purpose:               Serves as the representative body of nursing through which the standards and activities for staff development (competency), professionalism, orientation, preceptorship, and Career Advancement Program (CAP) is developed.

Chairpersons:     Two co-chairs from the committee membership as designated by the nurse executive.

Membership:       One representative from each nursing unit will be assigned to the council with a member of the unit level committee attending as a back-up.  One nursing director and clinical educational coordinator will be a member of this council.  A human resources representative will be invited as a liaison to this council and will receive minutes of each meeting.

Authority:             The Nursing Professionalism Council reviews and recommends change to the Career Advancement Program, preceptor education and graduate nurse orientation, nursing competencies and unit based orientation program.

The council makes recommendations for changes or improvements to above listed programs to the Nursing Leadership Council.

Quorum for Motions and Recommendations:   Simple majority of members in attendance.

Meetings:             Meetings are held a minimum of six (6) times a year.  Additional meetings will be held as needed.

Agenda:                Agenda will be prepared by the co-chairs of the council and reviewed and approved prior to distribution by the nursing director who serves as a member.   In the absence of the nursing director, the chief nursing officer will approve the agenda.

Objectives: 

1. Review/revise orientation materials based on identified needs for individual nursing staff and nursing units.
2. Expand and improve the preceptor program.
3. Identify and implement approved staff development and continuing education programs/activities based on identified nursing needs.
4. Review the nursing residency program and make recommendations to the chief nursing officer.
5. Plan and participate in activities designed to enhance the retention of nursing staff.

Nursing Practice Council

Purpose:              Serves as the representative body of nursing through which the practice of nursing is reviewed and quality nursing care is assured.  This involves the communication, collaboration and coordination among nursing units regarding the use of interdisciplinary care planning, nursing practice, policies and procedures.

Chairperson:       Two co-chairs from the committee membership as designated by the chief nursing officer.

Membership:       One representative from each nursing unit will be assigned to the council with a member of the unit level committee attending as a back-up.   One nursing director and clinical educational coordinator will be a member of this council. 

Authority:             The Nursing Practice Council reviews and recommends nursing practice standards for nursing services.  The council makes recommendations for changes or improvement in nursing practice to the Nursing Leadership Council. 

Quorum for Motions and Recommendations:      Simple majority of members in attendance.

Meetings:            Meetings will be scheduled based on the needs of the nursing departments, or at a minimum of quarterly.

Agenda:               Agenda will be prepared by the co-chairs of the council and reviewed prior to distribution and approved by the co-chairs. In the absence of the nursing director the nurse executive will approve the agenda.

Objectives: 

1. Review and recommend approval of nursing policies and procedures at least every three years.
2. Ensures consistency of content and format throughout the nursing policies and procedures.                      
3. Review the latest evidence-based practice for nursing practice and make recommendations based on that evidence.

Activities and Responsibilities:            

1.  To observe, evaluate and make recommendations for improvement in the overall quality of nursing practice delivered at the unit level through evidence-based practice.
2. To ensure the timely review/revision of nursing policies and procedures.

Nursing Leadership Council

Purpose:             To serve as an advisory group to the chief nursing officer.  Provides a framework for communication whereby nursing leaders may discuss nursing procedures, policies, patient care, staff development and administrative decisions.

Chairperson:      Chief Nursing Officer

Membership:      Chief Nursing Officer
                               Nursing Directors.
                               Co-Chair from Nursing Practice Council.
                               Co-Chair from Nursing Professionalism Council.
                               Secretary.
                               Clinical Educational Coordinator 
                               Infection Control Coordinator 

Meetings:             Monthly meetings will be scheduled.  Additional meetings will be held as indicated.

Quorum for Motions and Recommendations:   Simple majority of those present.

Reporting Activities:  Develop and revise nursing administration policy/procedure.
                                        Review, revise and approve nursing departments policies and procedures.
  
Objectives: 

1. Approve the philosophy, purpose and objectives for Nursing.
2. Develop, approve and implement the Nursing Action Plan.
3. Communicate interdepartmental activities related to the standard of nursing care and practice.
4. Provide a framework to problem-solve and discuss issues as they relate to the standard of nursing care and practice at Broadlawns Medical Center.
5. Review and approves recommendation from nursing councils.