Empowering Nurses Through Shared Governance: A Council‐Led Evidence‐Based Initiative Driving Practice and Policy Advancement
Holly Chignolli, Christine Frank‐Scott, Jessica Gibson, Lindsay Ring, Kjersten Stromberg, Cindy ZellefrowABSTRACT
Background
Engaging frontline nurses in evidence‐based practice (EBP) remains a challenge due to time constraints, variable experience levels, and competing priorities. Shared governance councils, particularly those grounded in a learner‐centered approach, can serve as platforms for nurse‐led EBP initiatives that influence practice and policy.
Aim
To describe how a shared governance council at a large academic medical center successfully implemented a year‐long EBP initiative focused on fall prevention, leading to practice and policy change.
Methods
Using the Advancing Research and Clinical Practice through Close Collaboration (ARCC) model and the Seven Steps of EBP, council members received mentorship and education from EBP experts. Members collaborated in small groups to develop a PICO(T) question, conduct literature searches, critically appraise evidence, synthesize findings, and disseminate results.
Results
The initiative resulted in high levels of nurse engagement, growth in EBP knowledge and confidence, and a formal change in the hospital's nursing fall prevention policy. Council members developed skills in critical appraisal and scholarly dissemination. The council's work was presented at multiple internal and external forums.
Linking Evidence to Action
This case demonstrates that shared governance councils can drive meaningful change to improve outcomes. EBP shared governance councils are important for engaging nurses at all levels to promote and sustain EBP in nursing at the bedside and beyond. Hospitals should support shared governance councils by offering protected time, mentorship, and integration into strategic priorities. Councils should focus on policy‐relevant initiatives and use structured, learner‐centered methods to promote engagement, confidence, and sustained impact. This model is replicable and highlights the role of structural support in fostering EBP capacity and practice transformation.