The nursing staff at the South Texas VA rejoiced in receiving a second recognition as a Pathway to Excellence organization from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
This second recognition as a Pathway to Excellence organization July 10, solidified their position as pioneers in their field, according to a July 10 news release. This prestigious honor marks their unwavering commitment to patient care, compassion and excellence, and reaffirms their status as the first organization in the state to be redesignated as a Pathway to Excellence agency.
“The Pathways journey our nursing team has been on has led to so many wonderful initiatives and accomplishments for veterans and employees,” Executive Director Dr. Julianne Flynn said in the release. “Each and every nurse is a leader in our organization and this re-designation recognition just confirms what we already know, our nurses rock."
They are the first organization in the state to be redesignated as a Pathway to Excellence agency, following the initial achievement as the first VA hospital to receive the designation in 2019, the release reported. The Pathway award, renowned globally, serves as a testament to the South Texas VA's unwavering commitment to cultivating an environment where nurses feel empowered and valued.
These pathway nurses hold a pivotal role within the medical team, actively participating in the establishment of procedures and policies, the release said. The involvement not only contributes to heightened job satisfaction and lower turnover rates, but also enhances safety measures and improves patient outcomes.
One of the lowest nurse turnover rates, outstanding nurse satisfaction scores and a significant proportion of nurses with advanced degrees and board certification may all be found at the South Texas VA, according to the release. The South Texas VA is in charge of improving care quality, nursing and patient safety and the future of healthcare delivery.
The facility is recognized as one of the best places to work after receiving this distinction, which certifies the professional satisfaction of the nurses, the release said.
“The Pathway to Excellence standards are strongly correlated with improved nurse satisfaction, lower nurse turnover, enhanced interprofessional teamwork and the delivery of high-quality nursing practice," Dr. Valerie Rodriguez-Yu, associate director for Patient Care Services, said in the release. "Our nurses are empowered and engaged in providing exceptional care to our nation’s veterans. I am incredibly proud of our team and humbled to achieve this designation. I look forward to our continued journey towards excellence.”