Georgetown Memorial Hospital is one of the best hospitals in the nation for nurses to work and excel, according to a prestigious designation by a national nurses association.
The award, called the Pathway to Excellence, is from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a division of the American Nurses Association. Georgetown Memorial joins an elite group of just 127 hospitals internationally, including Waccamaw Community Hospital, that have earned the designation.
Ann Waters, MSN, BSN, RN, vice president of operations and Georgetown Memorial administrator, said the award’s impact extends well beyond hospital nurses’ work environment and demonstrates the high standards that nurses set for patient care.
“Achieving Pathway to Excellence is a rigorous process that requires detailed documentation and self-reflection,” Waters said. “We are proud of our nurses for achieving this recognition, because it confirms that Georgetown Memorial Hospital’s nurses demonstrate professionalism and do their best every day in caring for our patients, caring for one another and having pride in our organization.”
Waters said the Pathway to Excellence designation conveys to the community that Georgetown Memorial has created an environment where nurses feel valued and supported by the hospital and are motivated to go above and beyond in caring for patients.
“In any work environment, and particularly in a health care setting where teamwork, thoughtful decision-making and precise communications are essential, knowing that you are supported by leadership has a big impact on nurses’ self-confidence, morale and interaction with patients,” Waters said. “Our patients frequently tell me that Georgetown Memorial’s nurses go the extra mile for them.”
Georgetown Hospital System President and CEO Bruce Bailey said the fact that both Georgetown Memorial and Waccamaw Community have achieved the prestigious Pathway to Excellence designation sends a powerful message that nursing excellence is valued and encouraged across the entire organization.
“Nursing is a demanding profession physically, mentally and emotionally,” Bailey said. “Ensuring that our nurses are provided a supportive environment where they can deliver quality care and succeed professionally is essential to maintaining a top-notch nursing staff.
“Pathway to Excellence designation is a recognition that we can all be proud of for what it conveys about our nursing staff and the excellent care our nurses bring to the bedside.”
Pathway to Excellence is awarded for three years and is renewable after a review by the ANCC. To earn the Pathway to Excellence distinction, an organization must successfully undergo a thorough review process that documents foundational quality initiatives, including leadership accountability, patient care, safety of work environment and professional development opportunities, for creating a positive work environment as defined by nurses and supported by research. These initiatives must be visible in the facility’s practices, policies and culture. Nurses in the organization verify the presence of the criteria in the organization through participation in a completely confidential online survey.
The American Nurses Credentialing Center credentialing programs certify nurses in specialty practice areas and recognize health care organizations for promoting safe, positive work environments through the Pathway to Excellence program.
The award, called the Pathway to Excellence, is from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a division of the American Nurses Association. Georgetown Memorial joins an elite group of just 127 hospitals internationally, including Waccamaw Community Hospital, that have earned the designation.
Ann Waters, MSN, BSN, RN, vice president of operations and Georgetown Memorial administrator, said the award’s impact extends well beyond hospital nurses’ work environment and demonstrates the high standards that nurses set for patient care.
“Achieving Pathway to Excellence is a rigorous process that requires detailed documentation and self-reflection,” Waters said. “We are proud of our nurses for achieving this recognition, because it confirms that Georgetown Memorial Hospital’s nurses demonstrate professionalism and do their best every day in caring for our patients, caring for one another and having pride in our organization.”
Waters said the Pathway to Excellence designation conveys to the community that Georgetown Memorial has created an environment where nurses feel valued and supported by the hospital and are motivated to go above and beyond in caring for patients.
“In any work environment, and particularly in a health care setting where teamwork, thoughtful decision-making and precise communications are essential, knowing that you are supported by leadership has a big impact on nurses’ self-confidence, morale and interaction with patients,” Waters said. “Our patients frequently tell me that Georgetown Memorial’s nurses go the extra mile for them.”
Georgetown Hospital System President and CEO Bruce Bailey said the fact that both Georgetown Memorial and Waccamaw Community have achieved the prestigious Pathway to Excellence designation sends a powerful message that nursing excellence is valued and encouraged across the entire organization.
“Nursing is a demanding profession physically, mentally and emotionally,” Bailey said. “Ensuring that our nurses are provided a supportive environment where they can deliver quality care and succeed professionally is essential to maintaining a top-notch nursing staff.
“Pathway to Excellence designation is a recognition that we can all be proud of for what it conveys about our nursing staff and the excellent care our nurses bring to the bedside.”
Pathway to Excellence is awarded for three years and is renewable after a review by the ANCC. To earn the Pathway to Excellence distinction, an organization must successfully undergo a thorough review process that documents foundational quality initiatives, including leadership accountability, patient care, safety of work environment and professional development opportunities, for creating a positive work environment as defined by nurses and supported by research. These initiatives must be visible in the facility’s practices, policies and culture. Nurses in the organization verify the presence of the criteria in the organization through participation in a completely confidential online survey.
The American Nurses Credentialing Center credentialing programs certify nurses in specialty practice areas and recognize health care organizations for promoting safe, positive work environments through the Pathway to Excellence program.
