System’s shared governance council develops new leaders, improves retention

Atlantic Health System Newton Medical Center utilizes shared governance to develop new nurses’ leadership skills and promote engagement, retention and professional growth, according to a Voice of Nursing Leadership article. The Newton, N.J.-based health system’s medical surgical department’s shared governance council ─ led by two clinical RNs ─ enables clinical nurses to partner with formal nursing leaders in shaping practice, improving outcomes and fostering community. Unit leaders encourage new nurses to attend and participate in the monthly meetings to learn how decisions are made, how they can influence practice and how their contributions can shape the department’s culture and success. Since nurse leaders implemented the shared governance council as an engagement strategy in 2022, the unit has maintained a 96.8% RN retention rate.