What kind of input do nurses have?
Each nursing unit or division of units has its own shared governance council attended and chaired by staff nurses. One or two representatives from this council participate in the monthly meeting of the Divisional Nursing Shared Governance Council (DNSGC). The DNSGC reports to Nursing Executive Council who, in turn, reports to the Board of Directors. Goals of the DNSGC include:

• Provide effective communication and collaboration between nursing staff, ancillary staff and management
• Design, oversee, and evaluate changes/improvements in nursing practice
• Promote quality professional nursing performance
• Promote quality improvement, patient safety and evidence-based nursing practice

What is the nurse-to-patient ratio?
The nurse-to-patient ratio varies depending upon the patient popoulation and acuity levels. Bronson is pleased to report a lower than national average nurse-to-patient ratio.

What professional model of care do Bronson nurses use?
Bronson is committed to the delivery of nursing excellence to patients and their families. A recently developed Relationship Based Care Model will guide our nursing practice. The ANA nursing Social Policy, the Michigan Nurse Practice Act, and multiple ANA standards of nursing practice provide expectations and evaluation criteria for our nursing actions.

What shift will I be working?
On the majority of our clinical units, nurses are assigned a specific shift and, under usual circumstances, do not rotate between shifts. Nurses provide weekend coverage by working every second or third weekend and 50 percent of the holidays. Specific shift and weekend requirements will be discussed during an interview.

• Generally, inpatient departments work 12-hour shifts (7 to 7:30 a.m. or p.m.). Three 12-hour shifts per week is considered full-time and two 12-hour shifts is considered part-time. Both full-time and part-time positions receive full benefits. Some nursing departments have a variety of shifts available; eight-, 10-, or 12-hour shifts. Weekend coverage is usually every other weekend, but varies with the needs of different departments. Most units require 50 percent of holiday coverage on a rotating basis.
• On-call positions are available on most units and generally require a minimum of four shifts per month, with two of those shifts falling on weekends. Premium pay is available if hourly requirements are met. These positions do not receive benefits and require rotation between shifts.
• Extra work shifts can be viewed through "Your Shift," an online staffing system. "Your Shift" can be accessed from home or work. According to your qualifications, you may bid on open shifts for various departments.

Does Bronson have a dress code?
Bronson is committed to presenting a professional, neat and clean image for our patients, their families and other visitors. As representatives of the hospital, nurses demonstrate pride in our personal appearance and support a standard dress policy. Please ask for specific department policy details.

How are Bronson nurses involved in research and scholarship?
Bronson encourages nurses to engage in daily evidence-based practice and participate in nursing or collaborative research as principal or co-investigators. The Nursing Research Committee supports and mentors aspiring researchers and authors. The NRC works in concert with the Institutional Review Board which functions as the final review and approval body.

What if I'm interested in becoming a nurse at Bronson, but not yet licensed?