How a Nurses in Support Roles Council (NISR) Supports Informatics Collaboration in a Safety-Net Hospital

Purpose: This poster highlights the creation of a nurses in support roles (NISR) council designed to support non-traditional nursing roles like nursing informatics within a safety-net hospital. The council offers a dedicated platform for nurses in supportive, non-direct care roles, allowing them to collaborate, develop professionally, and advocate within the hospital system. These nurses, who work in areas such as infection prevention, health information management, nursing operations, and nurse navigator, often operate in isolated or remote positions. The council’s purpose is to bridge the gap between bedside practice and operational nursing, promoting collaboration and enhancing the role of support nurses in overall patient care. Through initiatives focused on mentorship, leadership, professional certification, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the council strengthens the hospital’s shared governance model, empowering nurses to contribute their expertise and support healthcare delivery effectively.

Relevance/significance: Nurses in support roles have specialized needs for communication, professional growth, and knowledge sharing. Unlike bedside nurses, they often work in siloed positions, with limited natural opportunities to collaborate across the organization. Many support-role nurses operate remotely, making professional interaction more challenging. Support nurses play a vital role in enhancing patient care, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving organizational change. Yet, they are often under-recognized due to their indirect patient care functions. The NISR council addresses this by fostering a structured, supportive environment where these nurses can connect, share knowledge, and contribute more visibly to the organization’s mission.

Strategy/implementation: A survey was conducted among nurses in support roles to identify interest and establish goals, with 154 responses indicating a strong desire for mentorship, improved communication, and professional recognition. Based on these findings, the council was created, with a charter and executive sponsorship from the chief nursing executive (CNE), who actively participates in meetings. Co-chairs rotate on a two-year basis to ensure mentorship and sustained leadership within the council. The council meets monthly, with agendas featuring job role-sharing to educate members on each support role, updates from the CNE, and celebrations of accomplishments. The council has also introduced the "bluebonnet award," an internal peer-nominated accolade that recognizes outstanding contributions by nurses in non-direct care roles.

Evaluation/outcomes: The council has successfully met its membership goal, with an average monthly attendance of 32 participants through a hybrid meeting model. Survey data show high levels of engagement, with members reporting increased certification achievements and feeling recognized through awards. Council activities have expanded to community-focused initiatives.

Conclusion: The NISR council has established a vital community for nurses in support roles, fostering professional development, collaboration, and recognition. This council demonstrates the importance of shared governance in engaging and empowering non-traditional nursing roles, ultimately enhancing the healthcare team’s resilience and effectiveness. Through this model, the council supports the organization’s mission of collaborative, compassionate care and sets a precedent for recognizing and leveraging the contributions of support-role nurses.