Shared Governance & Professional Practice Model

As a four-time Magnet-designated hospital, Southern New Hampshire Medical Center is among the top 1% of hospitals in the world that have received this distinction.  

Organizations awarded Magnet® designation have demonstrated that their nurses are the “best of the best” and work in an environment that promotes collaboration, interdisciplinary teamwork, and advances professional development. 


What is Magnet®? 

The Magnet® Recognition Program is the highest standard of nursing excellence that can be achieved by an organization. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) establishes standards for exceptional nursing practice that: 

  • Promote quality in a setting that supports professional practice 

  • Identify excellence in nursing care delivery to patients and families 

  • Disseminate best practice in nursing care 

Southern New Hampshire Medical Center was first designated as a Magnet® facility in 2006 and re-designated in 2011, 2016, and 2021. The designation means that a “Magnet” culture exists within an organization that encourages nurses to flourish as a professional with a focus on autonomy, decision-making at the bedside and determining the nurse practice environment. 

Magnet® recognition is the result of interdisciplinary teamwork and positive relationships. 
 

Nurse Practice Council

SNHH’s Nurse Practice Council aims to improve patient care and outcomes using evidence-based practice and establish parameters of nursing practice that support the Professional Practice Model, which includes relationship-based, patient/family-centered care, and comfort theory. The council serves as an advocate for the recognition of nursing excellence within the organization.  

Membership is comprised of direct care nurses representing each area where nursing is practiced at SNHMC as well as the Chief Nursing Officer, an Associate Vice President, a Nurse Director, a Human Resources representative, a Center for Quality and Safety representative, and a Clinical Education representative. The members are accountable to define, communicate, implement, evaluating, and maintain standards of nursing practice while fostering the utilization of research standards to enhance evidence-based practice. 


Unit-Based Practice

The purpose of the unit-based practice committees is to engage clinical staff in shared governance with the goal of improved patient centered care and the practice environment through application of the Professional Practice Model. This committee initiates and facilitates unit-based change by utilizing evidence-based resources, applying research and conducting quality and research projects. The committee defines, implements and maintains unit-based practice guidelines consistent with national standards of practice.
 

Professional Practice Model 

Our Professional Practice Model emphasizes Patient and Family Centered Care.  

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Mission 

To partner with patients, families, the community, and the healthcare team to 
provide evidence-based care in an environment that promotes comfort, fosters relationships, and enhances knowledge using evidence and best practices. 

 

Vision 

To provide exceptional patient and family-centered nursing care.

 

Philosophy 

We Believe: 

  • The primary focus of our care is to connect with our patients and their personal support systems to develop a therapeutic relationship. 
  • A framework for communication conveys essential information and enhances understanding. 
  • Patients and their families are active participants and decision-makers in their own care.  
  • Patients have the right to confidential, compassionate, comforting, and dignified care. 
  • Patients have the right to be treated as individuals, and to have their unique comfort needs addressed holistically. 
  • Each clinician works collaboratively with all other members of the health care team. 
  • Clinical staff plays a pivotal leadership role at the bedside and in the organization at large. 
  • Lifelong learning supports professional development. 
  • It is our obligation to partner with community and professional organizations. 
  • A commitment to evidence-based practice promotes a higher level of care. 
  • Excellence in patient care is facilitated through evidence, based practice, professional development, and process improvement. 
  • Creative and innovative solutions by nurses are encouraged, recognized, and rewarded. 
  • ​Commitment to the highest legal, professional, and ethical standard is pivotal in carrying out our day-to-day activities 


Values: 

  • Respect:  We respect YOU. We listen to how YOU feel and understand YOUR concerns. We respect one another as colleagues, caregivers and people. 
  • Accountability:  We come together collectively and look beyond the individual. We are stewards of our resources to optimize your health and wellbeing, mind, body and spirit. 
  • Compassion: We care for your family like our own. We truly embody, caring people, inspiring health and wellness.  
  • Commitment: We are committed to excellence in everything we do. We are true partners in health, upholding the highest standards of safety, quality, and deliver exceptional experience and empower healthier lifestyles throughout our community. 

 

Patient Care Delivery Model 

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