An ANCC Pathway to Excellence designation is earned by healthcare organizations that demonstrate a commitment to creating a work environment where nurses flourish because they experience, among other things, job satisfaction, professional growth and development, respect, and appreciation. Reviewers are an integral part of the designation process as they evaluate applicants' written documents.
Reviewers are required to be:
- An RN actively employed in nursing clinical practice (i.e., staff nurse), nursing administration, or nursing education with at least five (5) consecutive years of nursing experience
- A graduate of a BSN program (to be a Reviewer) or, a graduate of an MSN program or Masters Program in a healthcare field (to be a Lead Reviewer).
- A member of ANA, an ANA organizational affiliate, or Constituent Member Association (i.e. state nurses association) (Learn more about joining ANA)
- Currently licensed as an RN with no encumbrances (i.e., barred/suspended from federal/state healthcare programs, adverse criminal history, etc.)
In addition, candidates must be:
- Organized and able to commit to a time schedule
- A good communicator who is able to write and work with other reviewers to reach consensus on scores and final report
- Available for three review cycles each year
- Willing to participate actively with 3-person review teams
- Able to attend an annual refresher session by webinar/conference call
- Connected to the internet and familiar with computer access, word processing and email (handling attachments)
- Able to commit to a 2 year time period
The application process requires the following documents be submitted:
All documents must be received before the application will be reviewed
An active Call for Reviewers will be announced at least 10 weeks in advance of a Pathway to Excellence Reviewer Training. If selected as an approved reviewer applicant, you will receive an invitation to attend the training. Attendance is required, however does not guarantee approval as a Pathway to Excellence Reviewer. The next reviewer training has not been scheduled.
Travel Requirements
- No travel is required for Pathway to Excellence Healthcare Organization reviews. Selected applicants are required to travel to the initial reviewer training at their own expense.
If selected as a Pathway to Excellence Reviewer, you will receive:
- Annual update training
- Membership as a Reviewer in our Learning Community (to be developed) as part of ANCC expert groups
- A modest honorarium for each review
- Opportunities to learn how a range of facilities function in a context of excellence
For more information, please contact the Pathway to Excellence office at
PathwayInfo@ana.org.