Pathway to Excellence Hospital Criteria
The essential elements of an ideal nursing environment:
1. Control of Nursing Practice
The organizational, administrative, unit and staff activities are structured to facilitate maintenance of nursing standards of care as outlined by the rules of the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners and evidence-based practice.
2. Safety of the Work Environment
The facility demonstrates a concern for the health and safety of nurses.
3. Systems Exist to Address Patient Care Concerns
The facility has systems for evaluating and addressing issues related to nursing practice quality.
4. Nurse Orientation
The facility can demonstrate it has an orientation program which is needs and competency based as evidenced by nurse-specific orientation plans that consider the education, experience and identified strengths and weaknesses of the nurse being oriented.
5. Chief Nursing Officer
The activities of the chief nursing officer in management of nursing services are supported by hospital administration.
6. Professional Development
The facility has a professional development program to facilitate ongoing educational needs to maintain and/or further develop professional expertise.
7. Competitive Wages
Nursing salaries are competitive, are market adjusted and recognize outstanding performance and professional commitment.
8. Nurse Recognition
The facility recognizes individual nurse merit and excellence.
9. Balanced Lifestyle
The facility recognizes the need of nurses to balance work and non-work life.
10. Zero Tolerance Policy for Abuse of Nurses
The facility does not tolerate physician abuse of nurses.
11. Middle Management Accountability
The organization facilitates leadership competency among supervisors of direct care nurses and middle management through a delineated leadership program.
12. Quality Initiatives
The facility demonstrates a commitment to evidence based practice.
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