Selection Criteria

The very best selection criteria is having an interested council member, one who really wants to participate. However, it really depends upon the circumstances of the organization, and availability of candidates and their interest level. I never advise having a manager pick a council member, but it is certainly appropriate for a manager to encourage direct care nurses to apply and mentor them on how to be a productive representative for their unit or division. If you are fortunate to have more interested nurses than positions, consider adding some selection criteria such as tenure, certification or other demonstration of professional development or commitment to the organization, demonstrated leadership experience, etc.
You could also request a brief essay as to why they would like to be selected, what skills and talents they think they would bring to the council, and what they hope to gain as members.That is a very nice position to be in, and not the situation most councils find themselves! Good luck to you.

Vickie Moore, MSN, RN, CHE, NEA-BC
President, Best Practice Nursing Solutions