Atrium Health Pineville recognized for healthy work environment | Southcltweekly

CHARLOTTE – Atrium Health Pineville, along with its freestanding emergency departments at Steele Creek, Providence Road and Ballantyne, has received the Pathway to Excellence designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

This distinction recognizes the hospital’s commitment to creating a healthy work environment.

“I am incredibly proud of our team for earning this recognition, especially our nurses and care teams, who impact so many lives in so many ways,” said Robyn Barriffe, chief nursing officer at Atrium Health Pineville. “From our nursing professional governance to our leadership team, the contributions they make every day are reflected in our culture and this well-deserved recognition. The impact we have on quality, safety, positive practice environments and nursing excellence is truly exceptional.”

To achieve the Pathway to Excellence designation, a hospital must meet the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s six overarching standards that form the framework of a healthy work environment: shared decision-making, leadership, safety, quality, well-being and professional development. 

The assessment period includes a review of documentation, teammate narratives and comprehensive surveys completed by nearly every nurse at the hospital. The entire process can take years to complete.

There are just six other Pathway to Excellence designated hospitals in North Carolina, including Atrium Health Cabarrus as well as Atrium Health hospitals in Anson and Union counties.

“We are committed to fully supporting our nurses, not only in their career development and well-being, but in empowering them to own their nursing practice,” said Janice Walker, senior vice president and chief nursing officer for the Southeast Region of Advocate Health. “The voice of every nurse is vital and within Advocate Health, all of our nurses are in a position to influence health care at the decision-making table, creating an environment where innovation and compassionate care thrive.”

Atrium Health Pineville is one of six Atrium Health hospitals from across North Carolina recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report in its annual list of “Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.” The list classifies these hospitals as “high performing,” the highest level of achievement possible this year. Atrium Health Pineville also received an “A” rating for excellence in patient safety from the Leapfrog Group on its fall 2024 patient safety report card.

“The Pathway to Excellence designation represents years of intentional work to create a positive place for our nurses to practice,” said Alicia Campbell, facility executive and vice president of Atrium Health Pineville. “It underscores the collaborative, interdisciplinary efforts of our teams and their leaders. We know that creating a healthy work environment for our teammates leads to exceptional outcomes for our patients and the families who support them.”

Several other facilities within Charlotte-based Advocate Health have also submitted applications and are at varying stages of earning the designation. There are just 235 Pathway to Excellence-designated facilities in the country.

Advocate Health currently has 12 Magnet-designated hospitals, which is a recognition also given by ANCC. Magnet designation recognizes a hospital’s commitment to excellence in nursing leadership, professional development, community impact, professional practice, quality patient care and innovation. In the Charlotte area, that includes Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, including its outpatient clinics, Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital, Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute and Atrium Health Mercy.