Understanding the New Pathway to Excellence® Standards

Organizations throughout the health care continuum are experiencing rapid and dramatic changes. Expectations and demands related to quality of care have been intensifying. Creating a positive practice environment and cultivating an engaged workforce are more important than ever. Empowering nurses to lead and drive quality of care from the bedside is the key to sustained excellence. Although nurse leaders may have limited control of the external flux, they can control the practice environment within the organization, which greatly influences staff satisfaction and engagement. Establishing the foundation of a healthy workplace for nurses positively affects nurse satisfaction and retention.1, 2, 3, 4