UNC Health Nash Earns Prestigious Nursing Designation

Pictured: Rachel Edwards, BSN, RN walking with smiling patient

UNC Health Nash has earned its re-designation as a Pathway to Excellence organization by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The prestigious designation makes UNC Nash one of only 10 hospitals in the state to earn the honor. This is the third consecutive period UNC Nash has obtained the Pathway to Excellence designation, and this latest designation will last four years.

According to ANCC, the Pathway to Excellence designation is a global honor that highlights UNC Nash’s commitment to promoting high standards of care while also creating a healthy work environment where nurses feel empowered and valued. This means nurses are engaged and have a voice in both policy and practice at UNC Nash. Organizations that achieve the Pathway to Excellence designation report a higher level of job satisfaction among nurses, reduced turnover, improved safety, and better patient outcomes.

Dr. Christine Pabico, Senior Director of the Pathway to Excellence Program, notified UNC Nash of their re-designation and shared a message with nurses about how important the designation is for their profession: “I am extremely delighted that UNC Health Nash is committed to you and to what you identify as important to your nursing practice. Knowing that they seek your contributions, support your professional development, and do all they can to help you achieve your professional best, bring to fruition Pathway to Excellence’s goal of creating environments that empower and engage nurses worldwide,” she stated. “A Pathway environment is a wonderful place for nurses to work! We encourage you to invite your peers to join you at UNC Health Nash, where nurses are valued and respected members of the healthcare team.”

UNC Health Nash Chief Nursing Officer Dr. Mary Strickland said UNC Nash’s re-designation means Nash nurses rank among the best in the state.

“This prestigious designation really showcases the commitment to excellence our nurses have and their dedication to providing quality health care for our community, right here at home. I am so proud of our nursing team for this amazing achievement,” she said. “It also highlights how our nurses feel empowered and valued here at Nash. This allows us to recruit and retain the best nursing talent to help us continue to provide the high quality care that our community deserves.”

Strickland added that part of why UNC Nash nurses feel this way and earned the Pathway to Excellence designation is due to the investment UNC Nash makes in their staff, including nurses.

“We have several ways we invest in our team members here at Nash. For nurses specifically, we have committees, councils and process improvement initiatives that afford nurses the opportunity of shared decision making to collaborate with hospital and medical leadership, share ideas and have their voice heard for important organizational decisions. We also provide professional development opportunities, such as our robust professional advancement program, leadership development, and a firm commitment to safety and quality. Additionally, we prioritize market competitive pay and benefits for our team members, and offer industry-leading nurse extern and scholarship opportunities to help our nursing staff grow, learn, and develop while working at the top of their scope.”

Rachel Edwards, BSN, RN, reflected on the support UNC Nash provides nurses, and the positive work environment at Nash.

“As a team member of UNC Health Nash, I am proud to be part of our journey toward Magnet recognition. I have the privilege of caring for patients alongside an incredible group of nurses and coworkers, and together we feel supported to grow, thrive, and make a real difference in people’s lives. This achievement reflects not only our commitment to providing exceptional care to our community and surrounding areas, but also the way Nash invests in and uplifts its nursing team. The future at Nash continues to be dedicated to excellence.”

With the Pathway to Excellence designation helping to set Nash apart from the rest of the medical field in the state, Dr. Strickland reiterated the organization’s commitment to the community.

“As a Pathway organization, UNC Nash is committed to continuously enhancing quality of care, patient and nursing safety, as well as shaping the future of healthcare across our region,” she said.

For more information about UNC Nash nursing, visit: nashnursing.com.