1. Decide to Seek Designation
   The Pathway to Excellence Manual and Pathway to Excellence Self Assessment Tool are two resources that will assist in the decision process. Contact PathwayInfo@ana.org with any questions on the self assessment and Pathway to Excellence application process.

2. Formalize Intent to Submit Written Documentation
   Download and email a completed application to PathwayInfo@ana.org 4 to 6 months prior to submission of written documentation. The application will be processed once we receive the application fee.  The application fee should be mailed to:

   American Nurses Credentialing Center
   P.O. Box 79120
   Baltimore, MD 21279-0120

3. Collect Data and Prepare Documents
   The application process consists of collecting data and supporting evidence for the 12 Pathway to Excellence Practice Standards outlined in the manual. One month prior to written documentation submission you will receive your list of reviewers, a Submission Fee Invoice, and instructions regarding the Organizational Demographic Form (ODF).

4. Submit Documents
   Email your ODF to PathwayInfo@ana.org and send a hard copy of your written documentation to:

   Pathway to Excellence Program
   American Nurses Credentialing Center
   8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 400
   Silver Spring, MD 20910-3492

5. Distribute Application Binders
   Send hard copies of your written documentation to assigned reviewers.

Deadlines for Submitting Written Documentation

February 1^st*
June 1^st
October 1^st

*Due to the release date of the 2009 Application Manual, adjustments will be made to accommodate document submissions for March 1, 2009 applicants whenever possible.

Nurse Survey

Following the review of the documents by the reviewer team, the healthcare organization will be contacted and given instructions to administer the Nurse Survey. More information on the nurse survey can be found on our Pathway to Excellence Nurse Survey page.

Designation Requirements

To achieve the Pathway to Excellence designation:

1. Pathway to Excellence Practice Standards must be met.
2. Pathway to Excellence Nurse Survey requirements must be met.

Notification Process

The Reviewer Team submits a final report to the Pathway to Excellence Governing Council for final determination.

1. Notification of Pathway to Excellence Designation to the Healthcare Organization
   Notification regarding the written documents and survey results will occur by telephone followed by specific written feedback. Each designated organization will receive a certificate and an award that can be proudly displayed at your facility.
2. Notification of Unsuccessful Application for the Pathway to Excellence Designation
   An organization may initiate the re-application process after addressing deficient elements. A new application fee is required for all resubmissions.

Pathway to Excellence Marketing Information

For healthcare organizations awarded the designation, instructions for logo use and marketing guidelines will be made available at the time of notification. Execution of a designation logo licensing agreement will be a precondition to the award of the designation.

Thank you for your interest in Pathway to Excellence

Note: This document supersedes all previous descriptions of the Texas Nurses Association Nurse-Friendly™ or Pathway to Excellence® descriptions of the application and review process for Pathway to Excellence designation.

Last updated: 12/10/2008