A Guiding Framework for Nurse Wellbeing: Pathway to Excellence™
The nursing department uses an evidence-based framework, known as the Pathway to Excellence™, to implement new practices to support staff wellbeing, reinforce our work environment and celebrate the contributions of nursing staff.
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) recognizes organizations that meet the Pathway to Excellence™, providing tangible evidence of high-quality nursing and a supportive work environment. We plan to apply for ANCC recognition in the coming year.
As we continue to build the infrastructure to support our nurses through this framework, we are prioritizing six pillars to improve our clinical work environment:
1. Shared Decision Making
Our Nursing Professional Governance (NPG) Councils provide a robust shared decision-making structure for nurses across UVM Medical Center. More than 90 direct care nurses participate in NPG councils, unit-level staffing collaboratives and unit-based councils, offering a vital avenue to lead change through our hospital and health system. With the voices of direct care staff at the table, we can drive positive change together, especially as the NPG councils continue to evolve and grow.
2. Leadership
Nurturing nurse leaders has been a key focus of our nursing department – providing our leaders with opportunities to learn new skills, foster their professional development and increase shared decision-making and engagement. Part and parcel of this work is ensuring that leaders prioritize the Pathway to Excellence™ and drive positive change in our clinical work environment.
3. Safety
Our organization is focused on increasing our de-escalation and violence prevention training with MOAB and ProAct, while supporting individuals who experience violence and other trauma through the Code ASSIST program and Trauma Informed Care sessions. We also created a fund to support employees who have personal property, such as eyeglasses, damaged during a violent incident.
Improving the physical environment has been a priority too, with metal detectors in the emergency department and an upcoming visitor management system under development.
4. Quality
Our nurses consistently recognize their colleagues for providing high-quality care and advancing the nursing profession, whether here in our health system or across the country. Many of our nurse-led initiatives have focused on improving the quality of care and patient outcomes. Nurses participate in quality initiatives on councils and committees and provide the necessary patient-centered perspective to improve the quality of care.
5. Well-Being
With a dedicated Experience & Wellness Council, our department has advanced important initiatives such as the new Wellness Space, which offers large windows, massage chairs and space for staff to recharge. Meanwhile, the ongoing growth of our Changing Minds, Changing Lives program is offering nurses an opportunity for reflective learning and personal growth.
6. Professional Development
The nursing department offers workshops in precepting, the charge nurse role, evidence-based practice and leadership development. Longer-term professional development programs include our:
- Nurse residency program
- RN to BSN tuition assistance program
- LNA to RN pathway program, and
- Felis Nurse Scholars
We encourage and support specialty certification through:
- The ANCC Success Pays program or voucher programs
- Reimbursement for exam expenses
- Funds toward certification preparation needs, and
- A bonus for obtaining certification
Meanwhile, the Clinical Advancement and Recognition Program (CARP) recognizes our clinical nurses for their excellence in practice and their contributions to their department, organization, health system and community.