Structural Empowerment

Structural Empowerment will ensure that processes and policies are in place to empower nurses and to cultivate a strong professional practice. The following are examples at Westerly Hospital:

Shared Governance

Shared Governance is a model of shared decision-making that gives staff nurse’s autonomy over their practice. Staff nurses across the country have indicated participation in shared governance as the most important aspect of their work.

CIT (Center for Innovation and Transformation)

Developed by AONE (Association Organization Nurse Executives) CIT is a model which complements and sustains change at the unit level for frontline staff. The program helps nurse units improve outcomes in patient experience and employee engagement. At Westerly Hospital we have developed the programs where people can perform their best. It is all about removing barriers to allow people to work autonomously. Samples of programs that have been designed in Westerly Hospital are:

• Improving Call Light Responsiveness
• Acuity Work Load Distribution Tool