Voice in Decision-Making

You have the autonomy to create the work environment you desire

Going the Extra Mile

Judy Young, R.N., took action to ensure her patients would receive their much-needed flu shots on her days off. “I created a simple checklist on patients’ Kardexes,” she says, which saves time at discharge and helps with continuity of care. As a staff nurse, Young is empowered to make decisions that are best for her patients.

Imagine working at a place where your voice is heard, where you are part of creating an environment where you are challenged, fulfilled and happy to work. This is a reality at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network.

As a nurse here, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in your unit’s professional practice model. This means you’ll have a say in making decisions that impact quality care, research, professional development, operations, and reward and recognition – for you and your colleagues. You’ll be encouraged and given the time to participate on committees focused on these areas. At other hospitals, administrators run these committees. But here, your managers serve as your mentors and help you get the resources you need.

Another way your voice is heard is through the R.N. Advisory Council. You’ll be able to share your thoughts with your council representative who will relay your issues and ideas to the group. In the past, the R.N. Advisory Council has tackled issues such as how to recruit new nurses and retain our colleagues. Ideas born out of this council include the weekend program which allows you the option to work full-time while going to school or caring for your children and salary incentives to continue your professional development.

More on This Topic

	Design Your Patient Care Areas When we build new medical facilities, our nurses have a voice in how patient care areas are designed More >>
	We Work Together for Our Patients Our nurses collaborate with each other and with physicians to make decisions that result in the best patient outcomes possible More >>

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