Case Study: Nursing Professional Practice Councils: The Quest for Nursing Excellence

The quest for nursing excellence requires enthusiasm, commitment and a dedicated team of nurses.The desire to create an environment where nurses were valued, supported and empowered led to the development of a Nursing Professional Practice Council within an Ontario Public Health Unit.The journey is described in detail, from planning and implementation through lessons learned and recommendations for organizations embarking on a similar quest.As a direct result of the Nursing Professional Practice Council, experiences within the organization have exceeded expectations, justified the financial costs and improved relationships among all parties.The quest for nursing excellence began with the desire to create and sustain an environment in which nurses were valued, supported and empowered.Quests are never easy.The mere mention of the word conjures up images of planning and preparation, collaboration and consultation, a keen sense of direction and the desire to work towards a common goal.This quest was no exception.Although the concept of a Nursing Professional Practice Council (NPPC) was new to this Ontario Public Health Unit, determination to improve the workplace environment for nursing staff, the organization and the clients they serve helped keep the project on target and moving forward.