SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
Earlier this month, Renown Regional Medical Center and Renown South Meadows Medical Center became the first and only Pathway to Excellence® hospitals in Nevada. Only 87 hospitals out of more than 5,000 nationally have earned the award. Additionally, only 23 states have such designated hospitals, most of which being located on the east coast.
The Pathway to Excellence award honors a work environment designed to improve overall nursing satisfaction and improve retention of quality nursing staff. Pathway to Excellence recognizes a number of elements of an ideal nursing practice environment. Among others, they include safety in the work environment, systems to address patient care concerns and nurse recognition.
“Your dedication and commitment to excellence truly let us stand out as leaders in healthcare,” Jeff Stout, MSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at Renown Regional, said in an initial announcement to nurses and employees throughout the Renown Health network. “We have joined an elite fraternity of chosen hospitals who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to going above and beyond and placing our patients and families at the center of all of our decisions. This is evidence of the amazing work you do every day. I am so proud to be part of Renown.
The honor, granted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), is based on the confirmed presence of characteristics known as “The Pathway to Excellence Criteria.” For an organization to earn the Pathway to Excellence distinction, it must successfully undergo a thorough review process that documents foundational quality initiatives in creating a positive work environment, as defined by nurses and supported by research. These initiatives must be present in the facility’s practices, policies and culture.
Nurses in the organization verified the presence of the criteria in the organization through participation in a confidential online survey. The survey required a minimum of 51 percent participation and an overall 75 percent positive response to the questions. Both Renown Regional Medical Center and Renown South Meadows Medical Center met these survey requirements and were commended on having several examples in the written portion of their respective applications.
To kickoff the effort for Renown Regional nurses to take the Pathway to Excellence survey, Stout made a promise to dye his body purple and color his hair and fingernails gold if nursing participation reached the target goals necessary for the employee engagement survey. Stout made good on his promise, and his Purple Man attire was also part of a fun rap video made to promote the Pathway survey.
Two separate 500+ page documents were submitted from the two hospitals. The written documentation included evidence to support how each hospital meet the 12 Pathway to Excellence Practice Standards:
• Nurses control the practice of nursing
• The work environment is safe and healthy
• Systems are in place to address patient care and practice concerns
• Orientation prepares new nurses
• The Chief Nursing Officer is qualified and participates in all levels
• Professional development is provided and utilized
• Competitive wages/salaries are in place
• Nurses are recognized for achievements
• A balanced lifestyle is encouraged
• Collaborative interdisciplinary relationships are valued and supported
• Nurse Managers are competent and accountable
• A quality program and evidenced-based practices are utilized
The Pathway to Excellence award identifies the elements of work environments where nurses flourish and as a result, where optimal patient care is delivered every day.
“Receiving this honor is a great recognition of the dedication and determination of our nurses to keep patient care the priority in this ever challenging and changing healthcare environment,” Lorraine Haines, MSN, RN, said.
“I cannot over-emphasize the significance of the Pathway to Excellence distinction for Renown Regional and Renown South Meadows Medical Center nurses, our patients, our community, and our state,” said Jennifer Richards, PhD, RN, “I am honored to be part of this truly remarkable achievement, which has put Nevada on the map in a very positive way.”
