Using the Hess Index of Professional Nursing Governance to Explore Nurses' Perceptions of Shared Decision-Making in a Magnet® Designated Medical Center

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess nurses' perceptions of shared governance using the Index of Professional Nursing Governance version 3.0 (IPNG).

Background: A goal of creating shared governance awareness among frontline nurses is to empower them to assemble and create positive change in their practice.

Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive, exploratory quantitative study design measured nurses' perceptions of shared governance on a continuum ranging from traditional to shared to self-governance in an academic medical center using the 50-item IPNG.

Results: Findings demonstrated a nascent shared governance structure with the lowest scoring items related to control over personnel. Active involvement in shared governance and education level impacted subscale scores (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Findings from this study supported the accreditation of the organization by the Forum for Shared Governance.