Ripon Medical Center Begins Pathway To Excellence Work

Ripon Medical Center associates recently attended a conference in late April to officially begin their journey toward a Pathway to Excellence™ designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Tami Moffat-Keenlance, director of inpatient services at Ripon Medical Center, is leading the effort, and was joined by Lynda Vielbig, clinical supervisor; Karmen Voigt, RN, Women & Infants Unit; Becky Stenerson, RN, Women & Infants Unit and Intensive Care Unit; and Alex Welch, hospital coordinator.

The Pathway to Excellence designation identifies the elements of work environments where nurses can flourish. A designation would substantiate the professional satisfaction of nurses at Ripon Medical Center and identify it as one of the best places to work.

“This designation would be an outstanding achievement for Ripon Medical Center, our nurses and the community as a whole,” says Katherine Vergos, Ripon Medical Center chief operating officer and chief nursing officer. “Taking this journey toward the Pathway to Excellence signifies our continued commitment not only to quality care for our patients, but to our nurses, those individuals dedicated to providing the personal touch to our patients each and every day.”

The Pathway to Excellence designation is granted based on the confirmed presence of characteristics known as “The Pathway to Excellence Criteria.” 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 present in the facility’s practices, policies and culture. Nurses in the organization verify the presence of the criteria in the organization through participation in a completely confidential online survey.

“This is another step where Ripon Medical Center is showing its commitment to nursing as a profession,” Vergos explains. “They play such a significant role in the plan of care for the patients and families that we serve. They offer invaluable input into how we can continually change care at the bedside and help enhance the overall outcomes of those we serve.”

The Pathway to Excellence designation is perfectly suited to small and medium-sized healthcare organizations, but is attainable by all healthcare facilities around the world. The ANCC is the same organization that awards Magnet Recognition, another award that recognizes excellence in nursing.

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In the photo: Those individuals from Ripon Medical Center that recently learned more about the Pathway to Excellence nursing designation were (left to right): Lynda Vielbig, Karmen Voigt, Becky Stenerson, Tami Moffat-Keenlance and Alex Welch.