SMMC Announces American Nurses Credentialing Center Pathway to Excellence Designation

10/29/2012

First community hospital in Maine and one of 93 hospitals in the nation to receive designation

Southern Maine Medical Center (SMMC) is pleased to announce it has achieved Pathway to Excellence® designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC); the first community hospital in Maine and one of 93 hospitals in the nation to be awarded this designation.

The Pathway to Excellence designation identifies the elements of work environments where nurses can flourish. The designation substantiates the professional satisfaction of nurses at SMMC and identifies it as one of the best places to work.

“The nursing staff at SMMC is committed to excellent patient care always,” said Chief Nursing Officer Pat Camire.  “They have worked very hard to earn the Pathway to Excellence designation and this award speaks volumes about their dedication to our patients and the nursing profession.”

“SMMC is very proud of our nursing staff and the role they take providing health care in our communities,” added President and CEO Ed McGeachey.  “We are honored to be the first community hospital in Maine and one of only 93 hospitals in the nation to earn the Pathway to Excellence designation. This award signifies that patients receive the very best nursing care at SMMC.”

The Pathway to Excellence designation is granted based on the confirmed presence of characteristics known as “The Pathway to Excellence Criteria.”  For an organization to earn the Pathway to Excellence distinction, it must successfully undergo a thorough review process that documents foundational quality initiatives in creating a positive work environment — as defined by nurses and supported by research. These initiatives must be present in the facility’s practices, policies, and culture. Nurses in the organization verify the presence of the criteria in the organization through participation in a completely confidential online survey.

As a Pathway to Excellence® designated organization, SMMC is committed to nurses, to what nurses identify as important to their practice, and to valuing nurses’ contributions in the workplace. This designation confirms to the public that nurses working at SMMC know their efforts are supported. The honor encourages other nurses to join their colleagues in this desirable and nurturing environment.

The Pathway to Excellence designation is perfectly suited to small and medium-sized healthcare organizations, but is attainable by all healthcare facilities around the world. 

About Southern Maine Medical Center
Southern Maine Medical Center (SMMC) is a national award-winning healthcare system, including a 150-bed acute care medical center in Biddeford, Maine, offering excellent clinical care and a multi-specialty physician services group with medical offices providing outpatient care located in Biddeford, Kennebunk, Old Orchard Beach and Saco. Non-emergency care is available without an appointment seven days a week at SMMC’s Walk-In Care center in Saco. SMMC is Joint Commission accredited, Pathway to Excellence designated, state-licensed, and is a member of Southern Maine Health Care and the MaineHealth system. To learn more visit www.smmc.org.

About ANCC
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA), provides individuals and organizations throughout the nursing profession with the resources they need to achieve practice excellence. ANCC's internationally renowned credentialing programs certify nurses in specialty practice areas; recognize healthcare organizations for promoting safe, positive work environments through the Pathway to Excellence Program® and Pathway to Excellence in Long Term Care™; and accredit providers of continuing nursing education. In addition, ANCC provides leading-edge information and education services and products to support its core credentialing programs. www.nursecredentialing.org

Media Contact:
Leslie Roberts
(207) 283.7232
lbroberts@smmc.org