Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Hughes Spalding Hospital has achieved the Pathway to Excellence redesignation for its continued dedication to nursing excellence. Conferred by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Pathway to Excellence Program®, this honor distinguishes healthcare organizations that demonstrate a commitment to establishing the foundation of a healthy workplace for staff.  

“After receiving designation for the first time in 2019, we pursued the Pathway designation again because we are confident in our team’s ability to showcase positivity and empowerment in action at Hughes Spalding,” said Linda Cole, MBA, BSN, RN, FACHE, Chief Nursing Officer at Children’s. “I am so proud of the work led by Shari Baker, Pathway to Excellence Chief Nursing Officer and Director of Patient Care Services at Hughes Spalding, and the Hughes Spalding nurses’ daily contributions to the workplace environment and remarkable outcomes.”  

Following Hughes Spalding’s first designation in 2019, Children’s understood the importance of pursuing Pathway to Excellence again. To achieve this designation, Hughes Spalding was required to submit documentation to the ANCC illustrating how nurses in every clinical area demonstrate the six program practice standards: shared decision-making, leadership, safety, quality, well-being and professional development. Additionally, Hughes Spalding nurses validated the data and other evidence submitted in an independent, confidential survey.  

Linda Cole and Shari Baker were joined by nursing and hospital leadership on March 19 to receive the official designation results call from the Chair of the ANCC Commission on Pathway to Excellence. Hughes Spalding nurses gathered in the room to hear the call and participate in a celebration. 

“Our nursing team at Hughes Spalding goes above and beyond to provide a healthy working environment, which positively impacts the care they provide to our patients,” said Shari Baker. “I am thrilled that Hughes Spalding earned the Pathway to Excellence redesignation and our nursing team is celebrated for their success.” 

Currently, there are 204 Pathway-designated organizations globally, including Hughes Spalding, which is among only three pediatric Pathway-designated organizations.