In 2024, the Nursing Quality and Safety Council demonstrated the power of shared governance by tackling hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) with an innovative and collaborative approach. Council members Analyn Altamira, BSN, RN, Becky Nguyen, RN, Huixian Tan, BSN, RN, Joy Apostol, RN, Maria Cleofe Cruz, BSN, RN, Pamela Nufable, BSN, RN, Pauline Uy, BSN, RN, and Sherie Domingo, BSN, RN, led the effort to introduce the EHOB Position Perfect Covered Wedges across the hospital. These specialized devices help maintain patients in a lateral side-lying position, ensuring proper sacral offloading to prevent pressure injuries and come in various sizes to meet diverse patient needs.
The council’s collaboration ensured a thorough evaluation of the wedges’ effectiveness, a well-planned rollout, and comprehensive education for staff to integrate this tool into daily workflows. Their efforts highlight the importance of shared governance, where nurses take an active role in decision-making and driving initiatives to improve patient outcomes. This initiative not only reduced HAPIs but reinforced a culture of teamwork, innovation, and accountability, showcasing the significant impact of empowered nursing leadership on patient safety and quality care.