November 12, 1999

Magician John Graffeo entertained MGH Patient Care Services staff during their recent celebration of collaborative governance – a staff decision-making model that uses a "bottom-up" style of management. "I know you all came here for a formal presentation about collaborative governance," said Jeanette Ives Erickson, RN, MS, senior vice president for Patient Care Services and chief nurse. "But you all have worked so hard on this initiative, I want you to sit back, relax and enjoy this evening."

Collaborative governance began in 1997 with the establishment of eight committees –  five interdisciplinary teams focusing on diversity, ethics, quality, patient education and professional development, and three nursing teams focusing on practice, research and staff advisory.