Texas Health is Fueled by Feedback, and for nurses that feedback occurs at every level – from one-on-one meetings with managers to Nursing Congress to systemwide surveys.
“Nurses are smart, creative and passionate about patient care, and their voices are essential in decision-making, because they are the ones closest to the patient,” said Sheree Henson, Ph.D., R.N., NPD-BC, NEA-BC, system director, Nursing Professional Practice, Research & Magnet. “We’re proud at Texas Health to have a strong shared governance structure and other opportunities for nurses to impact the environment of care and improve reliability for our patients.”
Sharing your voice starts with one-on-one conversations with your manager. MyTalent Performance, Texas Health’s performance management tool, provides the opportunity for a structured discussion between employees and managers three times a year. In addition, nurse managers are committed to open discussions, and they regularly lead staff meetings and huddles.
For many nurses, the unit-based council is one of the most effective places to be heard and help effect change. Heather Johnson, B.S.N., R.N., Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, began serving on her unit-based council seven years ago. She has been council chair for two years.
“Unit-based councils are a great way to get involved and provide input on issues directly impacting your unit,” she said. “At our council meetings, we bring in speakers from different groups to share updates and then let them know of any questions or concerns we have.”
For example, Johnson recently had a security officer speak at the council meeting. Nurses voiced concern about an entrance near their unit that was unstaffed at night. Thanks to their feedback and that of others, a security officer is stationed at the door.
At the entity level, nurses have a shared governance structure that empowers them to have the responsibility, accountability and authority for decisions that impact their work. The structure includes councils such as the Clinical Excellence and Professional Governance councils.
At the system level, Nursing Congress is a broader venue for nurses to share their voices. It brings together nurses from across Texas Health Resources to support shared decision-making and collaborate.
Kelly Johnson, B.S.N., R.N., Texas Heath Presbyterian Hospital Denton, has served as vice chair for Nursing Congress for two years and will serve as president in 2023.
“Nursing Congress lets us share our different experiences and learn from each other,” she said. “It also gives us a direct line to provide input to system leaders.”
Feedback is designed to flow from unit-based councils to the entity Professional Governance Council to Nursing Congress.
“Your idea can go from simply sharing an idea or concern at your unit-based council all the way to the top,” Kelly Johnson said.
Check the box for the many ways that nurses have a voice at Texas Health.
Published November 17, 2022
