Recognition for Excellent Professional Nursing Practice in Nursing Homes

Strong evidence supports that professional nursing practice environments can positively impact RN satisfaction, staff turnover and retention, patient/resident outcomes, and patient/resident/family satisfaction. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) has two programs to recognize organizations that support professional nursing practice: Magnet Recognition Program™ and the Pathway to Excellence Program™. The program that is most appropriate for nursing homes is Pathway to Excellence.™ For organizations to obtain Pathway to Excellence™ designation, 12 standards need to be met. Click through the slideshow below to learn about these 12 standards.

Nurses control the practice of nursing.
Work environments are safe and healthy.
Systems are in place to address patient care and practice concerns.
New nurses have access to orientations.
Chief nursing officers are qualified and participate at all levels.
Professional development is provided and utilized.
Competitive wages and/or 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 evidence-based practices are utilized.

At least five of these standards are consistent with the five guidelines provided earlier. More information about the Pathway to Excellence™ program can be found at http://www.nursecredentialing.org/Pathway.aspx.

Faculty may want to consider how they could collaborate with a nursing home to achieve Pathway to Excellence™ designation. Such collaboration would have some provocative learning experiences for students.

Question for reflection...

How would you collaborate with a nursing home to assist them in using evidence-based practices?

http://nursing-media.ahc.umn.edu/geriatrics-site/resources/clinical-learning/excellent-practice-recognition.php