Recognizing the clinical nurse: The Meridian Health Clinical Advancement and Recognition of Excellence program

This article describes the Meridian Health Clinical Advancement and Recognition of Excellence (CARE) program, an outcomes based clinical recognition program. The development of a new nursing care model led to the redesign of the health system's existing clinical ladder to further engage and reward clinical nurses for their expertise and contributions to improved patient outcomes. Development of the CARE program is discussed, as well as nursing participation and outcomes.