Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) Practice Test

What is a primary goal of shared governance in nursing?

1. To centralize decision-making

2. To enhance collaboration and input from staff

3. To reduce the number of staff meetings

4. To allocate more budget to management

The correct answer is: To enhance collaboration and input from staff

The primary goal of shared governance in nursing is to enhance collaboration and input from staff. This model empowers nurses to have a voice in decision-making processes that affect their practice and work environment. By fostering an environment where nurses can contribute their insights and expertise, shared governance encourages a more democratic approach to leadership. This collaboration improves staff engagement, job satisfaction, and retention, leading to better patient care outcomes. The emphasis on input from nursing staff reflects the understanding that those who are closely involved in patient care often have valuable perspectives that can inform policies and practices. This approach not only recognizes the expertise of front-line nurses but also helps to build trust and accountability within the organization. In contrast to this goal, centralizing decision-making would undermine the core principles of shared governance, as it places authority in the hands of a few rather than distributing it among those directly involved in nursing practice. Similarly, reducing the number of staff meetings does not inherently support collaborative input; instead, it might limit communication opportunities. Allocating more budget to management does not align with the philosophy of shared governance, which emphasizes the importance of empowering staff rather than concentrating resources at the management level.