Shared governance is a nursing professional practice model founded on principles of partnership, equity, accountability and ownership. Shared governance empowers nurses and managers to contribute to accountability and the decision-making process for patient care, work environment and the nursing practice. It is a format for nurses to own their practice and to advance the value and quality of health care.

Shared governance allows the following.

• Empower staff
• Increase professional autonomy
• Increase job satisfaction
• More effective clinical practice
• Improve quality of patient care

Under the shared governance model, UT Medical Center nurses have a voice in determining clinical practices, standards and quality of patient care. Nurses are encouraged to utilize their clinical knowledge and experience to help direct and develop the nursing practice at the hospital. Shared governance also allows the communication with executive staff and among colleagues in various units.

UT Medical Center’s shared governance councils include Coordinating Council, Professional Development Council, Quality Council, Research Council, Leadership Council and Practice Council.