Research shows that professional governance in nursing leads to improved patient outcomes, improved morale, increased job satisfaction and engagement, improved collaboration and improved communication. When clinical nurses are empowered to assume a proactive approach to decision-making, they understand why changes are occurring and have the ability to impact changes that affect their practice. At SSM Health, professional governance is promoted through nursing representation on more than:
- 100 ministry-based nursing or interprofessional committees and councils
- 50 regionally based nursing or interprofessional committees and councils
- 30 system-based nursing or interprofessional committees and councils
Below, a few System Professional Nurse Practice Council members share the reasons they choose to serve on this council.
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Alicia Elliston, RN, from Southern Illinois, is the SPNPC Chair. When asked why she became a member of SPNPC and accepted the role of Chair, Alicia said, "SPNPC has taught me that my voice matters. As a bedside nurse, we bring concerns or ideas to help make our day or the patient's stay better, and I've seen results firsthand of implemented changes based on nursing's ideas. I love collaborating with other nurses and staff to find differing opinions and then come together to find the best solutions."
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SPNPC member, Cherri Moore, RN, from St. Anthony Hospital in Shawnee says: "I enjoy all the new opportunities that are possible with this group. SPNPC offers a key component to make more informed decisions for the nursing staff, which translates to safer patient care and more meaningful outcomes for the patients and their families."
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SPNPC member Emily Whitt, RN, from the Southern Illinois Regional Float Pool, says: "I am a member because others told me about SPNPC and how you see changes that are made, and you can see the change that we can be a part of. You can voice your opinions and give your point of view for others to see. With this council, I feel l I can help make patient care better."
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SPNPC member Leslie Pohlmann, RN, BSN, from St. Joseph’s Hospital-Lake St. Louis, states: “I love being given the opportunity to assist and help facilitate change within my entity. I’ve learned so much and truly enjoy being a part of SPNPC.”
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SPNPC member Dyana Tillinger, RN, BSN, from St. Clare Hospital-Baraboo says: “I love being a nurse. I wanted to represent our hospital and it is interesting to talk with others throughout our SSM system.”
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SPNPC member Rachel Holterman, MSN, RN, from St. Mary’s Hospital Jefferson City says “I love being a member of SPNPC because I can act as a liaison and advocate for our ministry nursing team. I am fortunate to learn from amazing nurses throughout our system and enjoy relaying information to continue improving our ministry.”
