Nurses at Lancaster General Health have significant opportunities to influence the way their profession is practiced. Under the Professional Practice Model, nursing policy is developed and implemented through peer-elected councils. Staff members play active roles in decision-making that have resulted in many positive outcomes such as morale enhancement, self-scheduling, peer/self-evaluations, recruitment and retention activities, and a preceptor program.
Six sub-councils with one council of oversight comprise the Lancaster General Health Nursing Professional Practice Model, responsible for goal setting, management, operation, education and performance improvement in nursing service. Each council operates within mandated roles and accountabilities defined within the nursing bylaws.
Nursing Partners Council
The Nursing Partners Council maintains and equal distribution of nursing leaders and direct care providers. The council increases the voice of the nurse along with their autonomy and decision-making. The focus is for bidirectional feedback loop where all levels of nursing share successes along with concerns and barriers. Nursing Partners Council continues to move the strategic priorities of nursing forward through a collegial partnership that fosters open, honest communication. This committee is comprised of representatives from the councils listed below.
Patient Care Council
The Patient Care Council drives clinical performance measures to achieve or exceed nursing and organizational goals which support a culture of patient and employee safety. This council also maintains nursing policies, standards, and clinical practice guidelines that drive evidence based practice and support a culture of patient safety.
Professional Advancement and Engagement Council
The Professional Advancement and Engagement Council, in collaboration with the clinical education staff, facilitates the development, implementation and maintenance of educational programs for nurses at Lancaster General Health. Educational initiatives are recommended by all councils within the Professional Practice Model.
Nursing Leadership Council
The Nursing Leadership Council supports the nursing management staff in its efforts to enhance patient care activities within the framework of the organizational mission and goals. Composed of all levels of nursing management, the council works closely with the Medical and Dental staff on key nursing initiatives.
Nursing Operations
The Operations Council is accountable for ensuring fiscal viability, monitoring productivity targets, resource allocation, and direction for automating nursing services. They also oversee the development of the annual budget for nursing services.
Communication Ambassadors
Communication ambassadors help ensure communication from the various committees is provided to clinical staff. This council also engages to hear the frontline staff voice regarding workflows and practice changes, and provides this bi-directional feedback to the councils.