Why is it important for nurses to serve in governance roles?
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3 REFERENCES WITH MAX OF 5 YEARS
Introduction
Nurses are a vital component of the healthcare system, and their contributions to the delivery of quality care are immeasurable. However, their roles are not limited to clinical practice, as they can also serve in governance positions. This essay explores the importance of nurses serving in governance roles and the benefits that accrue to the healthcare system.
Importance of Nurses Serving in Governance Roles
Nurses bring a unique perspective to healthcare governance, given their training and experience in patient care. They are knowledgeable about the healthcare system’s inner workings, patient needs, and healthcare policies’ impact on patient outcomes. Their clinical expertise and knowledge make them valuable members of healthcare boards, committees, and advisory councils. Therefore, nurses serving in governance roles help ensure that healthcare decisions and policies align with the needs of patients and the community.
Nurses’ involvement in governance roles enhances their professional development, providing opportunities for leadership, decision-making, and critical thinking. Through governance roles, nurses gain a broader understanding of healthcare systems and policies, allowing them to apply their clinical knowledge to address systemic issues. This not only benefits the healthcare system but also enhances nurses’ skills, making them more effective leaders in their clinical roles.
Nurses’ presence in governance roles promotes transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making in healthcare organizations. They are often tasked with monitoring patient care outcomes, ensuring adherence to standards of care, and advocating for the adoption of evidence-based practices. Nurses are uniquely positioned to identify and address areas that require improvement in healthcare organizations, such as patient safety and quality of care. Their involvement in governance roles ensures that healthcare policies and practices align with the ethical principles of healthcare, such as respect for patient autonomy and confidentiality.
Nurses serving in governance roles also help bridge the gap between healthcare providers and the community. They are often the first point of contact for patients and their families, providing education, support, and advocacy. Their experience in patient care makes them adept at identifying the needs of patients and the community and communicating them to healthcare leaders. As such, nurses’ involvement in governance roles ensures that healthcare policies and decisions align with the community’s needs, resulting in more patient-centered care.
Conclusion
In conclusion, nurses play a critical role in the delivery of quality healthcare services, and their contributions are not limited to clinical practice. Nurses’ involvement in governance roles is essential in ensuring that healthcare policies and decisions align with the needs of patients and the community. They bring a unique perspective to healthcare governance, promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making in healthcare organizations. Their involvement in governance roles enhances their professional development, making them more effective leaders in their clinical roles. Therefore, healthcare organizations must promote nurses’ involvement in governance roles to ensure that the healthcare system is patient-centered and aligned with the principles of healthcare ethics.
References
American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice (3rd ed.). American Nurses Association.
American Nurses Association. (2019). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. American Nurses Association.
Finkelman, A. (2018). Professional nursing concepts: Competencies for quality leadership. Jones & Bartlett Learning.