Posted: 7/23/2018
First public, safety-net system with correctional health component to be designated
Parkland Health & Hospital System has achieved Pathway to Excellence designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association. The Pathway to Excellence designation identifies the elements of inter-professional work environments where nurses can flourish and feel empowered.
The designation substantiates nursing job satisfaction at Parkland and identifies it as one of the best places to work. In addition, organizations that are Pathway designated ultimately achieve better patient, staff and organizational outcomes, according to the ANCC.
“This designation is not easy to attain for a complex system like ours. We have blazed a new trail and one that speaks to the excellence of nursing practice at Parkland,” said Karen Watts, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer. “We are extremely proud to receive this designation. It further demonstrates that Parkland is committed to not only providing high quality, safe and compassionate care for all of our patients, but we do so in an environment where staff is valued for their skill and expertise.”
The Pathway to Excellence designation is the first for a public, safety-net system like Parkland, which provides correctional healthcare as part of its services, according to the ANCC. The designation also includes Parkland’s network of Community Oriented Primary Care (COPC) health centers and its Homeless Outreach Medical Services (HOMES) program, which delivers essential medical, behavioral health and dental services to homeless children and adults throughout Dallas County.
The Pathway to Excellence designation is granted-based on the confirmed presence of the six Pathway to Excellence practice standards including:
- Shared decision-making
- Leadership
- Safety
- Quality
- Well-beingProfessional development
For an organization to earn the Pathway to Excellence distinction, it must successfully undergo a thorough review process that documents foundational quality initiatives in creating a positive work environment — as defined by nurses and supported by research. These initiatives must be integrated in the facility’s practices, policies and culture. Nurses in the organization validate the presence of the criteria.
“This accomplishment is a testimony to the entire nursing team at Parkland and all of the other disciplines who supported us on this endeavor. We have experienced enormous system support for this work and we have been encouraged by many of our colleagues along the way,” said Donna Richardson, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Parkland’s Senior Vice President and Associate Chief Nursing Officer.
Watts and Richardson concurred that the recognition speaks to Parkland’s commitment to creating “an environment where nurses excel and feel valued as integral members of inter-professional healthcare teams.”
If you’d like to join Parkland’s nursing team, please visit www.parklandcareers.com. If you’d like more information about services available at Parkland, please visit www.parklandhospital.com
About ANCC
The American Nurses Credentialing Center, a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association, provides individuals and organizations throughout the nursing profession with the resources they need to achieve practice excellence. ANCC’s internationally renowned credentialing programs certify nurses in specialty practice areas; recognize healthcare organizations for promoting safe, positive work environments through the Pathway to Excellence and Pathway to Excellence in Long Term Care programs; and accredit providers of continuing nursing education. In addition, ANCC provides leading-edge information and education services and products to support its core credentialing programs. To learn more, visit www.nursecredentialing.org