ANCC is the world's largest and most prestigious nurse credentialing organization, and a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA).

ANA

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) has successfully achieved ISO 9001:2008 certification for all of its credentialing programs.

Pathway to Excellence® Program Overview

Pathway Headline Logo

The Pathway to Excellence® Program recognizes hospitals with positive practice environment for nurses. The Pathway designation is granted based on the presence of standards that are foundational to creating a positive nursing practice environment.

The standards must be integrated into operating policies, procedures, and management practices of all Pathway to Excellence healthcare organizations. The Pathway to Excellence credential recognizes nurse satisfaction and identifies best places to work. A Pathway to Excellence organization is committed to nurses, nursing practice, and values the nurses’ contribution to patient care. The credential lets nurses know that they are supported by the organization and that this is a positive practice environment for others to join.

Application for Pathway to Excellence Program includes submission of a written document in English and participation in a staff nurse survey which is done on line. Organizations of any size, location, or setting are eligible to apply.

ANCC is now accepting international applications for organizations to become Pathway to Excellence designated.

Questions? Please e-mail us at PathwayInfo@ana.org.

Related Resources

  • Magnet/Pathway International Brochure [pdf]

  • Introducing the Pathway to Excellence® Program [pdf]
    The American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Pathway to Excellence® credential is granted to healthcare organizations that create work environments where nurses can flourish. The designation supports the professional satisfaction of nurses and identifies best places to work. To earn Pathway to Excellence status, an organization must integrate specific Pathway to Excellence standards into its operating policies, procedures, and management practices...

  • Pathway to Excellence® Research References
    This list suggests readings that provide helpful introductions to research in the areas encompassed by the Pathway to Excellence® framework. The list is not comprehensive of all the studies investigating outcome relationships with any single concept. The reference list includes research studies that found a favorable association between a variable that we interpret to be consistent with a Pathway characteristic and patient, nurse, or organizational outcomes.

  • Frequently Asked Questions About ANCC's Pathway to Excellence® Program
    Updated June 21, 2010.

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