ANCC Announces 2024 Pathway Nurse of the Year Award™ Winners
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(October 31, 2024, SILVER SPRING, MD) —The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) announced the recipients of the 2024 Pathway Nurse of the Year Award™. The winners were presented at the 2024 co-located ANCC National Magnet Conference® and the ANCC Pathway to Excellence Conference® in New Orleans.
The awards honor one exceptional nurse leader and one direct care nurse from Pathway to Excellence®-designated organizations worldwide. These individuals have made significant contributions to their practice environments by exemplifying professionalism, leadership, and collaboration with their teams. They skillfully integrate clinical expertise with compassionate care and have demonstrated innovative approaches to fostering engagement, nursing excellence, and shared decision-making.
Pathway Nurse of the Year, Nurse Leader: Jill Hancock, RN MSN OCN ONN, CNO of Atrium Health Navicent Peach
Jill Hancock is a transformational leader whose impact reaches far beyond her direct reports, inspiring and influencing leaders and departments across Atrium Health Navicent Peach. She exemplifies the Pathway to Excellence® standards by championing shared governance, removing obstacles, and ensuring that councils have the resources they need to succeed. Known for her creative problem-solving and daily support of her teammates, Jill's commitment to engagement and collaboration has made her a well-respected figure.
Jill’s passion for her community and dedication to the well-being of her staff is evident in her hands-on approach. She is often seen rounding in the hospital, building relationships, and supporting her team members. Under Jill’s leadership, Peach became the first facility in the Advocate Health System—a health care system spanning the Midwest and Southeast—to achieve Pathway to Excellence® designation in March 2024. This cultural transformation, led by Jill, fostered a positive practice environment with remarkable results, including the elimination of contract labor and a 0% nursing vacancy rate.
“Jill is the epitome of a Transformational Leader, not just to her direct reports, but to other leaders and departments throughout Peach” said Tracey Blalock, RN, MSN, MBA, NEA-BC, Market Chief Nurse of Atrium Health Navicent. “She is one of the most creative problem solvers and she supports the efforts of the teammates at Atrium Health Peach daily. Jill's undeniable care and consideration for her team and their community make her the unequivocal best choice for this award.”
“Jill is truly a shining light in the nursing field and deserves this award. She does not look at any job as being beneath her and is the type of leader you want to role model yourself after. She genuinely cares about those she works with and it shows” said Kristy Ard, RN, Med Surg Nurse Manager, Atrium Health Navicent Peach.
Jill’s leadership extends to a focus on quality and safety. Under her guidance, Atrium Health Navicent Peach was awarded the Atrium Health Silver Touchstone Award for Sustaining the Elimination of Device-Associated Infections, with the hospital maintaining zero catheter-associated urinary tract infection and central line-associated bloodstream infection cases for over three years. Her commitment to patient care has also resulted in steadily climbing Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems scores, now the highest in their market.
Jill is equally dedicated to her team’s well-being. In 2022, she applied for and received a grant from the Navicent Health Foundation to create a snack cart that boosted morale among her staff. She recently secured another grant to establish a Zen Den, providing her team with a dedicated space for relaxation and stress relief. Jill’s unwavering care for her teammates and community makes her a truly deserving recipient of the Pathway Nurse of the Year, Nurse Leader Award.
Pathway Nurse of the Year, Direct Care Nurse: Samuel Dundas, RN, BSc, Oncology and Haematology Ward at Northampton General Hospital
Samuel Dundas, an exemplary registered nurse (RN), has demonstrated exceptional commitment to patient care and leadership, rising through the ranks from health care assistant to RN at Northampton General Hospital in Northampton, United Kingdom. Currently serving as Chair of the Unit Shared Decision-Making Council on the Talbot Butler Oncology and Haematology Ward, Samuel has made remarkable strides in improving both patient care and staff well-being.
Samuel’s leadership has been instrumental in several groundbreaking initiatives, including the provision of free TV access for isolated patients, ensuring they remain connected with the outside world and the creation of a peaceful garden space for end-of-life patients and their families. These projects have significantly enhanced patient comfort and dignity while reducing the psychological strain associated with long hospital stays.
“Samuel is not only a hardworking, kind, and compassionate nurse but also an exemplary team player who consistently turns challenges into opportunities for growth and improvement. His dedication goes beyond ordinary expectations, impacting every facet of our ward operations and significantly enhancing both patient and staff satisfaction” said Nerea Odongo, RN, MSc, BSc, DipHE, Chief Nurse of Northampton General Hospital. “In conclusion, Samuel embodies the very essence of the Pathway to Excellence standards through his exceptional leadership, commitment to quality care, and active participation in shared decision-making.”
“Samuel stands as an example of excellence in nursing. He lives and leads by example, demonstrating what it means to be a nurse dedicated to both patient and staff well-being and exemplifying the Pathway to Excellence standards every day. Samuel stands as an example of excellence in nursing. He lives and leads by example, demonstrating what it means to be a nurse dedicated to both patient and staff well-being and exemplifying the Pathway to Excellence standards everyday” said Emily Lambert, RN, MA, BSc, DipHE.
Samuel has also been a driving force in fostering a positive work environment by organizing seasonal well-being events for oncology and hematology staff, helping to boost morale and resilience in a demanding care setting. His dedication to quality care and shared decision-making made him a clear choice for this prestigious award.
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About the American Nurses Credentialing Center
The mission of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association, is to promote excellence in nursing and health care globally through credentialing programs. ANCC's internationally renowned credentialing programs certify and recognize individual nurses in specialty practice areas. ANCC recognizes health care organizations that promote nursing excellence and quality patient outcomes while providing safe, positive work environments. In addition, ANCC accredits health care organizations that provide and approve continuing nursing education and accredits transition-to-practice programs that prepare nurses for new practice roles. For more information about ANCC, visit us at nursingworld.org/ANCC and follow us on X. ANCC is the only nurse credentialing organization to successfully achieve ISO 9001: 2015 certification.
About the Pathway to Excellence® Program
The Pathway to Excellence® Program recognizes health care and long-term care organizations for positive practice environments where nurses excel. To qualify, organizations meet Pathway Standards essential to an ideal nursing practice environment. Nurses trust that Pathway-designated organizations respect their contributions, support professional development, and nurture optimal work settings.