What practice is expected in a hospital with Pathway to Excellence® recognition?

In a hospital recognized with Pathway to Excellence® designation, the focus is on fostering a healthy workplace environment. This recognition program, developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and empowering atmosphere for nursing staff. Key elements include encouragement of professional development, shared governance, and strategies that promote nurse engagement, all leading to better outcomes for both staff and patients.

By prioritizing a healthy workplace, such facilities demonstrate a commitment to staff well-being, which is crucial for retaining skilled nurses and improving the overall quality of care provided. This recognition reflects a holistic approach to healthcare delivery that values the input and participation of nursing staff in decision-making processes, ultimately enhancing job satisfaction and patient care.

The other responses reflect practices that do not align with the Pathway to Excellence® standards. For instance, limited nursing staff can undermine care quality, while a lack of input in decision-making directly contradicts the shared governance model that is encouraged in recognized institutions. Additionally, discouraging shared governance is counterproductive to the aims of creating a collaborative and engaged nursing workforce.