The American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Pathway to Excellence ® designation is earned by healthcare organizations that create work environments where nurses can excel in their practice. The designation substantiates the professional satisfaction of nurses and identifies best places to work.
A Pathway to Excellence designated organization is committed to nurses and to what nurses identify as a match with their values and contributions toward the overall pursuit of safe, quality patient care. This designation confirms to the public that nurses working in a Pathway to Excellence designated organization know that their efforts are supported and invite other nurses to join their colleagues in this desirable and nurturing environment.
The Pathway to Excellence designation is granted based on the confirmed presence of characteristics known as “The Pathway to Excellence Practice Standards” in the organization. These standards are foundational to an ideal nursing practice environment that has a positive impact on nurse job satisfaction and retention. The Practice Standards are integrated into operating policies, procedures, and management practices of all Pathway to Excellence healthcare organizations.
An organization earns the Pathway to Excellence designation through a review process where it fully documents that the Practice Standards of the ideal practice environment are present in the organization's practices, policies, and culture. The Practice Standards are based upon expert nurse input and nursing literature that supports the qualities of a positive practice environment. After successful document review, nurses in the organization verify the presence of the Practice Standards in the organization through participation in a confidential online survey.
The Pathway to Excellence designation is suited for all sizes and types of healthcare organizations.
If you would like to order brochures about the Pathway to Excellence program free of charge, please send a request to pathwayinfo@ana.org with the name of your organization, contact person, mailing address, and number of brochures.
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