Authors

1. Speroni, Karen Gabel PhD, MHSA, BSN, RN
2. Wisner, Kirsten PhD, RNC-OB, CNS, C-EFM
3. Ober, Melanie BSN, RN
4. Haines, Fiona MCur RN, RM, Adv Mid Adv NeonSc, CPHQ
5. Walters, Cynthia DNP, RN, NE-BC
6. Budhathoki, Chakra PhD

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Researchers examined associations between Index for Professional Nursing Governance (IPNG) types and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Effects of professional nursing governance on nurse-related outcomes by Magnet^(R) status are not well studied.

METHODS: Associations were evaluated between average IPNG scores from 2170 RNs, and nurse-sensitive indicators (NSIs) as well as patient and RN satisfaction outcomes (N = 205 study units; 20 hospitals), following Magnet requirements.

RESULTS: Magnet hospitals had significantly better IPNG shared governance scores than non-Magnet hospitals (Magnet, 106.7; non-Magnet, 101.3). For Magnet hospitals, units scoring as shared governance outperformed traditional governance for 9 of 19 outcomes (47.4%) (NSI, 2; patient satisfaction, 3; RN satisfaction, 4). Self-governance outperformed shared governance for 8 of 15 outcomes (53.3%) (NSI, 2; patient satisfaction, 6; RN satisfaction, 0). For non-Magnet hospitals, shared governance significantly outperformed traditional governance for 1 of 15 outcomes (6.7%) (patient satisfaction).

CONCLUSIONS: Having shared or self-governance is a strategy that can be considered by nurse leaders to improve select nurse-related outcomes.