Pathway to Excellence®
Why Pathway to Excellence®?
Organizations who achieve Pathway to Excellence® designation are recognized for a Positive Practice Environment and a Healthy Work Environment. These attributes contribute to enhanced teamwork and collaboration, and better outcomes of care.
Positive Practice Environment
Shared Governance
Nurses as Leaders
Improved Outcomes of Care
Healthy Work Environment
Increased Ability to Attract and Retain Nurses
Enhanced Nurse Engagement
Enhanced Nurse Job Satisfaction
Teamwork & Collaboration
Inter-professional Collaboration
Increased Efficiency
Decreased Nursing Errors
Your Pathway to Excellence® Journey, Customized
During this phase, Stephanie will complete an evaluation of the organization in alignment with required elements of the ANCC’s Pathway to Excellence® program, with the aim of identifying gaps and assessing organizational readiness for applying.
The outcomes of the gap analysis are reported back to the organization, gaps in required elements of performance are identified and a proposed plan to close gaps is developed with a timeline for implementation.
During this phase, the organization works ensure timely closure of identified gaps in readiness. In parallel Stephanie can begin working with your team on writing the Elements of Performance (EOPs) and related narratives.
The applicant organization is required to submit required documents and fees to the ANCC Pathway to Excellence® Recognition program. This process initiates the formal “Pathway to Excellence® Journey” and a date for final document submission is selected (February 1, April 1, June 1, August 1, November 1). Writing of Elements of Performance and related narratives are occurring in parallel with this phase.
Complete and reviewed PDF copies of the ANCC required Elements of Performance are submitted by Framework Section (Organizational Overview, Shared Decision-Making, Leadership, Safety, Quality, Well-Being, and Professional Development), and will also include required policies, organizational charts, and exhibits. This submission formally initiates the Pathway to Excellence® Appraiser review. Organizations whose documents have been appraised and meet the threshold for advancement will proceed to phase III – the Organization Survey. Organizations that do not initially meet criteria for advancement frequently are required to provide additional documentation to support evidence of performance. The Pathway to Excellence® Recognition Program will identify and communicate Appraiser requests for additional documentation. Apex-Rx will support this process through preparation of supplemental data. Upon satisfactory completion of this phase, the organization will advance to Phase III – The Organization Survey.
Organizations seeking Pathway to Excellence® designation participate in a Pathway to Excellence® Survey as part of the required appraisal process. The survey is confidential and delivered electronically to all eligible nurses (RN, LPN, APRN) whose practice is overseen by the CNO. Post-survey completion, the organization will receive an aggregate report of survey responses. Individual nurse participation is voluntary; however, organizations are required to achieve a minimum participation rate of 60%. For those organizations who do not meet the minimum threshold for survey participation, there is an opportunity to repeat the survey once. Stephanie can provide additional information related to survey topics, and a staff engagement plan will be developed and implemented to ensure successful completion.
During this phase, the organization receives notification of the outcome of their application and survey.
