DIRECTIONS:

• Complete ALL sections (1 - 9) of this application.
• Type your responses. Do not use abbreviations.
• Attach a résumé or curriculum vitae and letter of support from your employer. If necessary, send your letter of support separately to leigh.hume@ana.org so as not to delay your application.

Use your legal name on the application.

The formal essay is an opportunity to showcase your ability to communicate in a clear, concise and grammatically correct manner.

Included below are two Pathway to Excellence Standards. Responses from submitted documents are provided that address a specific Element of Performance (EOP) within each of those standards. Please describe how each of the two (2) responses written by the organization meets or does not meet the EOP associated with the identified standard.

Example One:

PRACTICE STANDARD 2: LEADERSHIP
Overview of Standard: Leadership members within Pathway to Excellence-designated organizations embrace all essential elements of a positive practice environment and exhibit role model behavior for the team. They foster collaboration among staff and are champions for a shared governance environment. CNOs and Nurse Managers alike actively engage direct care nurses for input in areas such as resource allocation and cost management.

Element of Performance 2.8:
Describe the strategies used by nurse managers to (1) attract and accommodate direct care nurses to participate in shared decision-making activities and (2) communicate the impact of their direct care nurse’s participation in shared decision-making activities.

Applicant Response to EOP 2.8
Nurse managers employ several strategies to attract and accommodate direct care nurses to participate in shared decision-making activities and share the impact of their involvement:

1. Creating a Supportive Environment:

• Nurse managers foster a supportive environment where direct care nurses feel valued, respected, and empowered to participate in shared decision-making activities. This includes promoting open communication, soliciting input from frontline staff, and actively listening to their ideas and concerns.
• Nurse managers recognize the expertise and insights that direct care nurses bring to the table and encourage their participation in decision-making processes. They provide opportunities for nurses to contribute to discussions, share their perspectives, and play an active role in shaping policies and practices that affect their work environment.

2. Providing Education and Training:

• Nurse managers offer education and training sessions to help direct care nurses develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to participate effectively in shared decision-making activities. This may include workshops on communication techniques, conflict resolution, and consensus-building strategies.
• Nurse managers ensure that direct care nurses are familiar with the organization's mission, vision, and strategic goals, as well as the principles of shared governance and participatory decision-making. By understanding the broader context and purpose of their involvement, nurses can better appreciate the significance of their contributions.

3. Flexible Participation Options:

• Nurse managers recognize that direct care nurses have varying schedules and commitments and offer flexible participation options to accommodate their needs. This may include scheduling meetings at different times of the day, providing virtual participation options for remote staff, or offering alternative communication channels for submitting feedback and suggestions.
• Nurse managers ensure that participation in shared decision-making activities is inclusive and accessible to all direct care nurses, regardless of their role, experience level, or work schedule. They actively seek input from a diverse range of staff members to ensure that decisions reflect the perspectives and interests of the entire nursing team.

Example Two:

PATHWAY STANDARD 5: WELL-BEING
Overview of Standard: Organizations have a critical responsibility to foster the well-being of the team that allows the nurse to be their best possible self, strengthening their ability to adapt to and overcome adversity.

Element of Performance 5.1:
Describe the opportunities provided by the organization to raise awareness of (1) mental health issues prevalent among nurses, (2) available mental health services to address those issues, and (3) evidence-based strategies to enhance mental well-being during work hours.

Applicant Response EOP 5.1
At Pathway Medical Center (PMC), we are dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of our nursing staff through various initiatives.

PMC raises awareness of prevalent mental health issues among nurses through educational programs, workshops, and seminars (explained below). Topics such as burnout, stress management, compassion fatigue, and resilience building are regularly addressed to increase understanding and reduce stigma.

1. "Understanding Burnout": This program explores the signs, symptoms, and causes of burnout among nurses, offering coping strategies and self-care techniques.
2. "Compassion Fatigue Awareness Workshop": This workshop highlights the impact of providing empathetic care on nurses' mental health and provides tools for managing compassion fatigue.
3. "Stress Management Seminar": This seminar educates nurses on the effects of stress on mental well-being and provides practical strategies for stress reduction both at work and in personal life.

Raising Awareness of Evidence-Based Strategies and Available Mental Health Services: PMC promotes evidence-based strategies to enhance mental well-being during work hours and ensures that our nursing staff are aware of the mental health services available to them. Examples of these services/resources are below:

• On-site Counseling Services: PMC provides on-site counseling services where nursing staff can schedule confidential appointments with licensed therapists or counselors conveniently located within the workplace.
• Teletherapy Options: PMC offers teletherapy options for nursing staff who prefer virtual counseling sessions. Through secure online platforms, employees can access professional mental health support from the comfort of their homes or other private locations.
• 24/7 Helpline: PMC establishes a 24/7 helpline that nursing staff can call anytime to speak with trained professionals about mental health concerns. The helpline offers immediate support and guidance, ensuring employees have access to assistance whenever they need it.
• Peer Support Groups: PMC facilitates peer support groups where nursing staff can connect with colleagues who may be experiencing similar mental health challenges. These groups provide a safe and supportive space for sharing experiences, receiving encouragement, and learning from one another's coping strategies.

*Your typed name is sufficient as a signature. If appointed, you will be asked to sign official forms.