Specialty nurses, such as research nurses, are often underrepresented in professional governance, limiting their influence on practice and organizational decision making. This initiative implemented a structured governance model to intentionally integrate research nurses across 5 hospital-wide councils, emphasizing leadership development, succession planning, and alignment with advancement frameworks. Ten nurses served as primary and representative-elect members, with clear expectations, onboarding, and managerial support. Over 2 years, 100% participation was maintained, enhancing visibility, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional growth. Contributions included development of a research participant satisfaction survey. Structured integration of specialty nurses into professional governance strengthens leadership capacity, evidence-informed practice, and organizational decision-making.
Dana L. Raab (Sun,) studied this question.