On 2015 Mar 25, University of Kansas School of Nursing Journal Club commented:

There is a lack of understanding in the literature related to the factors that impact IPNG scores. Our group chose this article because we have discussed these concepts in class, including shared governance models that promote shared decision-making and the IPNG questionnaire, but did not discuss characteristics that may impact his or her score. We were also interested in investigating how employed nurses’ scores compare to those of our senior nursing class. The findings of this study may be significant to nurses in a variety of roles. Shared governance is a factor in Magnet designation, so individuals working to either pursue or maintain Magnet status may be interested in learning if there is a relationship between nurse characteristics and their perception of shared governance at their institution (Overcash et al., 2012). In addition, this study may help nursing leadership to better understand factors that could be helpful in developing and maintaining a shared governance foundation, which will ultimately lead to higher quality patient care. For staff nurses not currently involved in shared governance, this study may lead to reflection upon their perceptions and pursue taking part in a shared decision making model that their institution.

One major limitation that decreases the generalizability of this study is that it was only completed at one institution in the Midwestern United States. It would be interesting to investigate the effects of these demographic factors on IPNG scores in various healthcare facilities world-wide to see if the results are consistent. In addition, the results of this study are limited by its small sample size of nurses surveyed. Another limitation of this study is that it was conducted at an oncology hospital, which would employ a fairly specific subset of specialized nursing personnel. In order to increase the generalizability of this study, it would be necessary to use larger hospitals that contain a variety of patient care units. In order to establish a model for disseminating power and promoting autonomy and leadership of clinical nurses, many Magnet status hospitals utilize shared governance. It is important that the value of shared governance continues to be investigated from different angles. A shared decision making model has been shown to make improvements in fall reduction, development of patient education materials, and nurse retention (Overcash et al., 2012). As a member of the clinical microsystem, each nurse should understand his or her opportunity to make his or her voice heard and take part in decision making that impacts clinical practice and patient care. As decisions are made relating to direct patient care and the patient experience, shared governance becomes another means in which to advocate for our patients on a larger level.

One potential barrier that Overcash et al. (2012) discussed to successful shared governance related to a lack of nurses taking part in these councils. The fewer the number of nurses taking part in shared governance councils the less likely that it is will be successful and continue to exist at that institution. While each healthcare institution must make a financial investment in each nurse that takes part in shared governance due to additional staffing needed for patient care during meetings, the cost is worth it in the long run. Members of a shared decision making model bring back to their units a “solid foundation for a good working environment” (Overcash et al., 2012, p. E3). Through increasing the number of nurses with a role on shared governance councils, this may facilitate engagement and empowerment of other nurses as well. This study suggested that none of the demographic factors alone demonstrated a significant correlation with IPNG scores, and this is a key finding, especially for new graduate nurses. This finding suggests that nurses new to the institution or to nursing in general have the capacity to perceive the concept of shared governance regardless of age or other factors. As new graduate nurses, it is essential that we seek out opportunities for participation in shared governance in order to share the unique nursing perspective of our generation.

Team 13: Mariah Charland, Emily Chambers, Ashley Heiman, Nicole Otey, Kayla Eddins, Hannah Gerwick, Jamie Winters

On 2015 Mar 25, University of Kansas School of Nursing Journal Club commented:

There is a lack of understanding in the literature related to the factors that impact IPNG scores. Our group chose this article because we have discussed these concepts in class, including shared governance models that promote shared decision-making and the IPNG questionnaire, but did not discuss characteristics that may impact his or her score. We were also interested in investigating how employed nurses’ scores compare to those of our senior nursing class. The findings of this study may be significant to nurses in a variety of roles. Shared governance is a factor in Magnet designation, so individuals working to either pursue or maintain Magnet status may be interested in learning if there is a relationship between nurse characteristics and their perception of shared governance at their institution (Overcash et al., 2012). In addition, this study may help nursing leadership to better understand factors that could be helpful in developing and maintaining a shared governance foundation, which will ultimately lead to higher quality patient care. For staff nurses not currently involved in shared governance, this study may lead to reflection upon their perceptions and pursue taking part in a shared decision making model that their institution.

One major limitation that decreases the generalizability of this study is that it was only completed at one institution in the Midwestern United States. It would be interesting to investigate the effects of these demographic factors on IPNG scores in various healthcare facilities world-wide to see if the results are consistent. In addition, the results of this study are limited by its small sample size of nurses surveyed. Another limitation of this study is that it was conducted at an oncology hospital, which would employ a fairly specific subset of specialized nursing personnel. In order to increase the generalizability of this study, it would be necessary to use larger hospitals that contain a variety of patient care units. In order to establish a model for disseminating power and promoting autonomy and leadership of clinical nurses, many Magnet status hospitals utilize shared governance. It is important that the value of shared governance continues to be investigated from different angles. A shared decision making model has been shown to make improvements in fall reduction, development of patient education materials, and nurse retention (Overcash et al., 2012). As a member of the clinical microsystem, each nurse should understand his or her opportunity to make his or her voice heard and take part in decision making that impacts clinical practice and patient care. As decisions are made relating to direct patient care and the patient experience, shared governance becomes another means in which to advocate for our patients on a larger level.

One potential barrier that Overcash et al. (2012) discussed to successful shared governance related to a lack of nurses taking part in these councils. The fewer the number of nurses taking part in shared governance councils the less likely that it is will be successful and continue to exist at that institution. While each healthcare institution must make a financial investment in each nurse that takes part in shared governance due to additional staffing needed for patient care during meetings, the cost is worth it in the long run. Members of a shared decision making model bring back to their units a “solid foundation for a good working environment” (Overcash et al., 2012, p. E3). Through increasing the number of nurses with a role on shared governance councils, this may facilitate engagement and empowerment of other nurses as well. This study suggested that none of the demographic factors alone demonstrated a significant correlation with IPNG scores, and this is a key finding, especially for new graduate nurses. This finding suggests that nurses new to the institution or to nursing in general have the capacity to perceive the concept of shared governance regardless of age or other factors. As new graduate nurses, it is essential that we seek out opportunities for participation in shared governance in order to share the unique nursing perspective of our generation.

Team 13: Mariah Charland, Emily Chambers, Ashley Heiman, Nicole Otey, Kayla Eddins, Hannah Gerwick, Jamie Winters