|
CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE
The UAMS University Medical Center, Professional Nursing Organization (PNO), under
administrative authority of the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), operates within a
decentralized organizational framework. The PNO is structured to support concepts of
delegated authority, shared governance, and participatory management. It is the intent of
the PNO that, through the implementation of these concepts, each nurse is afforded the
opportunity and commensurate responsibility to share in the decision-making process about
issues arising within UAMS Medical Center patient care.
Nurses within PNO are divided into two classifications; either Administrative or
Clinical. These classifications, although different in function, share common
responsibility for carrying out the philosophy, purposes, goals and objectives of
professional nursing.
Nursing administration is primarily responsible for creating a milieu which fosters
development and maintenance of quality patient care services, as well as an optimal
learning environment for students and staff. The organization of nursing administration
which promotes the achievement of this function is described in the Bylaws.
Clinical classifications within nursing are functionally divided into professional and
unlicensed assistive staff. The function of professional staff is development,
implementation and evaluation of nursing practice standards which accomplish the following
goals of nursing care: Promotion of health and prevention of health problems, care of the
sick, continuity of care and rehabilitation. This charge is fulfilled through the PNO as
set forth in this governance document.
The function of the unlicensed assistive staff is participation by communication with
the organization’s councils for the purpose of implementation and evaluation of
nursing practice standards. Therefore, all representatives to PNO councils and all council
meetings are open to non-professional staff input unless otherwise stipulated in bylaws.
The PNO seeks to provide individualized services which will enable patients to live a
satisfying life or achieve death with dignity. This is promoted through the ongoing
examination and improvement of professional nursing practice defined by standards and
commitment to the education of patients, staff and students. Vital to provision of these
individualized services are interdisciplinary and interdepartmental
collaboration/coordination and involvement of patients and their families in
decision-making regarding nursing care.
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I
NAME AND PURPOSE
The name of this organization shall be the Professional Nursing Organization (PNO).
The purpose of this PNO is to ensure professional behavior and continuous improvement
of patient care by establishing authority and accountability for nursing practice within
the professional nursing staff.
The objectives of this organization are to:
- Facilitate communication and problem solving between Medical Center professional
nursing, administration and medical staff.
- Ensure continuous improvement in nursing practice.
- Effect changes in nursing practice, policy and operations in a timely manner.
- Approve and maintain standardized nursing clinical practice.
- Solicit input from all levels of nursing staff concerning nursing practices issues.
- Involve administrative and clinical staff in strategic planning.
- Monitor professional compensation/benefits across Medical Center programs and within the
community and make recommendations as appropriate.
- Evaluate and take action on critical personnel quality issues.
COMPOSITION AND MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 - Membership:
Membership in this organization shall be limited to those individuals employed by the
UAMS Medical Center holding registered nurse licensure.
Section 2 - Qualification:
Membership within this organization is conferred upon employment in the UAMS
Medical Center.
Section 3 - Composition:
This organization is composed of six councils: Nursing Leadership
Council, Executive Council, Standards of Practice Council, Scope of Practice,
Recognition Council, and Personnel Management Council. Ad hoc committees are formed and disbanded
to accomplish specific time limited tasks. All councils and committees ultimately report
to the CNO who maintains responsibility for final approval of all council actions.
Councils and committees carry out the purpose and objectives of PNO as specified in this
constitution and the individual bylaws of the various councils.
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE II
SELECTION OF COUNCIL MEMBERS, OFFICERS AND DUTIES
Section 1 - SELECTION OF COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Council members shall be selected in August of each year according to procedures set
forth by each council in appropriate council bylaws.
Section 2 - LENGTH OF COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP:
Membership on Professional and Operations Councils is for a period of two years with
staggered terms to provide continuity. Length of membership for other councils is outlined
within the council or committee’s bylaws.
Section 3 - DESIGNATED MEMBERS;
Council members stipulated by position in individual council bylaws shall maintain
permanent appointment to the designated councils for the duration of their employment
within that position.
Section 4 - DUTIES OF COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Duties of council members are to attend meetings and participate in council activities
as a representative of a designated constituency and to report council activities and
actions to that constituency.
Section 5 - COUNCIL OFFICERS:
Council officers will be stipulated in individual council bylaws.
ARTICLE III
MEETINGS
Section 1 - MEETINGS:
- Meetings of all councils shall be held and are open to all patient care employees, or as
stipulated within the council bylaws.
- Meetings may be called by the Chair or Co-chairs at any time there is business to be
conducted requiring immediate action.
- Council meetings shall be postponed if UAMS Medical Center Clinical Programs are under
the provision of the institutional code, i.e., inclement weather, disaster, etc.)
ARTICLE IV
AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1 AMENDMENTS:
This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Professional Nursing
Organization Executive Council. Amendment shall be forwarded from councils or interested
individuals to the Executive Council for consideration and vote as specified in the
bylaws. No vote shall be taken on a proposed amendment until it has been considered at two
consecutive meetings of the Executive Council.
|