Harris Health System’s Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital has received its nursing re-designation as a Pathway to Excellence® hospital awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. There are only 147 such designated hospitals nationwide.
The designation is a prestigious recognition awarded to hospitals that offer robust work environments for nurses and tout high nursing satisfaction rates. Through an in-depth survey, nurses at LBJ Hospital have rated it among the best places to work.
“Pathway to Excellence® is earned by healthcare organizations that create work environments in which nurses can flourish and is a testament to professional satisfaction among nurses,” says Derek Curtis, chief nursing officer, LBJ Hospital. “LBJ Hospital fosters a positive and nurturing environment for nurses, so they in turn can provide high quality care for our patients. This achievement recognizes our organizational commitment to nursing.”
Pathway to Excellence® is awarded after an organization successfully undergoes a rigorous review that documents foundational steps taken to create 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 verify a supportive work environment through a confidential online survey.
“The designation is another sign of the commitment to excellent patient care at LBJ Hospital,” says Alan Vierling, executive vice president and administrator, LBJ Hospital. “We see that professionalism every day, and we know our patients benefit from the high quality and high service our nurses provide. This is further affirmation of the professionalism that is the hallmark of our hospital’s nursing staff.”
According to the Pathway to Excellence® Web site, the program recognizes healthcare and long-term care organizations for positive practice environments where nurses excel. To qualify, organizations meet 12 practice standards essential to an ideal nursing practice environment.
“LBJ Hospital is committed to nurses, to what nurses identify as important to their practice and to valuing nurses’ contributions in the workplace,” Curtis says. “This designation confirms that nurses working at Harris Health know their efforts are supported.”