The Department of Nursing embraces a shared governance structure in which collaborative relationships are established between clinical nursing staff and management, improving the RN's work environment, satisfaction, and retention. The goal is to create an environment of defined professional practice and shared decision making at the point-of-service, thus empowering and engaging the bedside nurse.

Shared governance places the authority, responsibility and accountability for patient care with practicing professional nurses thus integrating clinical staff into the formal decision-making process and providing them with the opportunity to both influence the strategic direction of patient care and participate in achieving the goals established by the Department of Nursing and the organization.