Implementing a Councilor Model: Process and Outcomes

The councilor model of shared governance was implemented at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System in January 1995. The goal was to reduce, eliminate, and consolidate nursing committees, enhance communication, and increase the decision-making abilities and opportunities of staff members. A study was conducted to determine the perceptions of the nursing staff relative to the culture of the organization after implementation of the model. The authors describe the process and outcomes of the resulting performance improvement processes, organizational redesign, and outcomes of this initiative.