Essentia Health has announced that Essentia Health St. Mary’s-Detroit Lakes received the Pathway to Excellence designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). St. Mary’s-Detroit Lakes is the second hospital in Minnesota and one of only 248 facilities worldwide to receive this designation.

The Pathway to Excellence program recognizes health care organizations that demonstrate a commitment to establishing the foundation of a healthy workplace for staff. To receive this prestigious honor, hospitals must undergo a rigorous process to meet the required elements of performance to promote a healthy and positive work environment and improve nursing practice. This includes the submission and review of in-depth documentation, a nurse survey showing positive feedback from our nurses and review from the ANCC.

“This amazing accomplishment is the culmination of over two years of hard work,” said Tanner Goodrich, senior vice president of operations for Essentia’s West Market. “We would like to thank our nurses and all our colleagues in Detroit Lakes for their contributions and support through our Pathway journey. This honor truly belongs to all of our talented nurses.”

St. Mary’s-Detroit Lakes is the first Essentia hospital to receive the Pathway designation, though additional Essentia critical access and community hospitals will begin their Pathway journeys in the future. Essentia’s larger hospitals like Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth and Essentia Health-Fargo are on a separate journey toward what is known as Magnet designation from the ANCC. Like the Pathway to Excellence, the Magnet Recognition Program provides the framework that supports excellence in nursing care.

The Pathway designation recognizes facilities for creating a positive and healthy work environment that addresses six standards of nursing practice:

• Shared decision making.

• Leadership support.

• Safety for patients and staff.

• Quality care.

• Well-being promoted in a positive workplace culture.

• Professional development opportunities.

“We are incredibly proud of our nurses who led this effort,” said Melissa Peterson, nursing director at St. Mary’s-Detroit Lakes. “This designation acknowledges our daily commitment to delivering the highest-quality care close to home to our patients and communities. Achieving Pathway designation also highlights our dedication to involving our nurses in discussions about care delivery and improving their work environment. These efforts will continue to help us enhance the quality of care and safety for our patients and staff.”

Part of the American Nurses Association, the ANCC offers internationally renowned credentialing programs that recognize both organizations and individuals that advance the nursing profession. 

Learn more about the Pathway to Excellence at www.nursingworld.org/ancc.