Professional Governance

Professional governance provides the structure through which nurses exercise accountability, ownership and influence over professional practice. At Providence Swedish, our Shared Leadership model empowers direct-care nurses to participate in decisions that impact patient care, nursing practice and the workplace environment.

Nurse in a caregiver setting

Through collaboration between frontline caregivers and nursing leadership, professional governance advances nursing excellence, supports evidence-based care and improves outcomes for patients, families and the community.

Built on the principles of accountability, autonomy, empowerment, innovation, leadership, ownership, practice equity and teamwork, Providence Swedish's Shared Leadership model creates a culture where nurses have a voice in shaping practice. Through council participation and shared decision-making, nurses collaborate to identify opportunities for improvement, develop solutions and influence organizational priorities.

Providence Swedish’s professional governance model and council structure:

  • Coordinating/Shared Leadership Advisory Council (SLAC)
  • Healthy Work Environment Council
  • Innovation (Evidenced Based Practice, EBP) and Research Council
  • Nursing Professional Development (NPD) Council
  • Practice and Safety Council

Two nurses in a clinical setting looking at a computer