Journal of nursing management
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This paper aims to describe how shared governance can be successfully integrated into existing management structures in a large medical directorate. It will show how the shared governance philosophy can lead to the creation of a culture where nurses feel important and valued and also consider its use as a foundation for the implementation of the nursing strategy. ⋯ The national nursing strategy puts nurses in a position to positively influence health care for the advantage of patients, however, for nurses to grasp this opportunity cultural change is required. This practical example of shared governance demonstrates how it can be used to create a proactive culture, focused on improving patient care. The nurturing and developing of clinically-based nurses provides them with the knowledge and skills to challenge the status quo and lead change. Thus, shared governance is an excellent foundation from which to develop the nursing strategy.