Empowering Nurses
Professional governance is a foundational structure that empowers clinical nurses to actively participate in decision-making processes that shape their practice environment. Through collaboration, shared accountability and a commitment to excellence, Summa Health nurses are given a strong voice in influencing policies, standards of care, and improvements that directly impact patient outcomes and the nursing profession. This model supports a culture of trust, leadership and continuous growth – ensuring that those closest to the care are instrumental in guiding it.
Policy and Procedure Committee
The Summa Health Nursing Policy and Procedure Committee provides oversight and management of nursing policies and procedures to ensure they are evidence-based, current and align with current nursing practice. The committee also reviews, coordinates and communicates nursing policy changes to applicable areas/departments.Evidence-Based Practice & Research Council
Our Evidence-Based Practice & Research Council (EBPRC) supports Summa Health’s mission by fostering a culture of clinical inquiry and continuous improvement. The council guides staff in selecting the appropriate methodology – whether evidence-based practice, quality improvement, or research – to explore questions and address challenges in care. Through mentorship and collaboration, the EBPRC empowers nurses to apply best practices and innovative solutions that enhance patient outcomes and contribute to a healthier community.
Nursing Peer Review
The purpose of Nursing Peer Review is to foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and professional development among nursing staff. Nursing Peer Review is a process by which nurses can systematically assess and evaluate the quality of care delivered by nurses in an institution as measured against our professional standards of practice.
Through structured and objective peer evaluation, the process aims to:
- Promote high standards of nursing practice
- Ensure the delivery of safe, quality and evidence-based care
- Encourage reflective practice and professional growth
- Identify opportunities for improvement and recognize exemplary performance
- Strengthen the culture of shared accountability and nursing autonomy
General Session
The Summa Health Professional Governance General Session is an informative forum focused on knowledge and data sharing across the system. Its purpose is to keep Divisional Council members informed about current hospital initiatives and relevant outcome data that drive clinical inquiry. The session also offers a valuable opportunity for staff to engage directly with nurse leaders, ask questions and foster collaboration across the organization.
Divisional Councils
Summa Health Divisional Councils bring information from the General Session, along with unit-specific practice or process concerns, to guide collaborative problem-solving and improvement efforts. All members of their respective councils, along with designated EBP mentors – such as clinical nurse specialists, RN educators and others – actively participate in this process. These mentors assist staff in developing plans to address identified issues through evidence-based practice or process improvement. Additionally, this collaborative approach creates valuable opportunities for professional development and ongoing learning.
Shared Leadership Council
The Summa Health Shared Leadership Council serves as a system-level forum for collaboration and communication among all Divisional Councils. Council members share updates on current initiatives, identify barriers, and discuss next steps, creating opportunities for cross-divisional collaboration and promoting the standardization of best practices across the organization. This structure ensures that decisions and recommendations align with the standards of the Ohio Board of Nursing, The Joint Commission, other regulatory bodies, professional guidelines and the latest evidence-based practices.
Nurse Executive Committee
The Nurse Executive Committee (NEC) at Summa Health oversees the professional practice of nursing, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, patient care technicians, nurse externs, and nursing student technicians. In collaboration with our advanced practice colleagues, the NEC supports the role of advanced practice nurses in delivering exceptional patient care across the health system. The committee strives to align nursing practices across Summa Health, fostering collaboration and developing a system-wide strategy to elevate nursing practice and enhance outcomes for the organization, clinicians, and patients alike.