The Pathway to Excellence® Program recognizes the essential elements of an optimal nursing practice environment.

This recognition confirms to the public that nurses working in a Pathway to Excellence organization know that their efforts are supported and invite other nurses to come work with them. The Pathway to Excellence designation is based upon the confirmed presence in the facility of the guidelines known as "The Pathway to Excellence Standards". These Standards are integrated into operating policies, procedures, and management practices of all Pathway to Excellence healthcare organizations. Learn more about what it means to be a Pathway to Excellence organization by viewing our Program Overview page.

Interested in the Pathway to Excellence® Journey?

Learn more about the Application Process

Introducing Pathway to Excellence in Long Term Care Program™

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is pleased to announce the new Pathway to Excellence in Long Term Care™ (PTE-LTC) Program. This is the first recognition of its kind for long term care facilities. Like Pathway to Excellence®, the new Long Term Care Program recognizes the essential elements of an optimal nursing practice environment. The Pathway to Excellence in Long Term Care Program also recognizes long term care facilities that foster work environments where nurses can flourish, substantiates the professional satisfaction of nurses, and identifies best places to work. The impact of healthy work environments on nurse satisfaction and retention is evident in literature and many studies have indicated a strong impact of a positive work environment on patient safety, patient satisfaction, and quality care. ANCC believes that these studies will translate favorably to the long term care community.

Learn more about the Long Term Care Program™

Pathway to Excellence® Educational Events

Workshops and Study Groups are held throughout the year to help prepare organizations interested in the Pathway to Excellence program. The workshops give an overview of the Pathway to Excellence program, the application process, self-assessment plan and strategies to help create a Pathway to Excellence work environment and details about each of the practice standards.  If you are interested in co-hosting a Pathway to Excellence workshop at your organization contact ANCC at mworkshp@ana.org.

Pathway to Excellence® Teleconference Series

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is pleased to present a teleconference series to help prepare organizations interested in the Pathway to Excellence program. The teleconference series gives an overview of the evolution of the Pathway to Excellence program, goes into detail about each of the practice standards, and explains the application process. As the home of the Pathway to Excellence Program, ANCC has the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding this program.

• November 2010 — Registration closes on November 2nd. Learn more