SIH St. Joseph Memorial Hospital Celebrates National Nursing Honor

Hospital nursing effort earns national Pathway to Excellence® Designation

SIH St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro held a formal ceremony and hospital-wide celebration in January to honor the entire nursing staff for earning their second Pathway to Excellence ® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The ANCC's Pathway to Excellence® program highlights hospitals that prioritize nurse empowerment, interprofessional decision-making and a culture of quality, safety and ethical care. SIH St. Joseph is one of only four hospitals in the state of Illinois with this distinction.

For patients, the benefits are significant. A supportive and empowered nursing workforce leads to better communication, improved care outcomes and heightened patient safety. For the nursing staff, this designation reinforces opportunities for professional growth and engagement. Nurses at Pathway-designated hospitals report greater job satisfaction, reduced burnout and an enhanced sense of autonomy.

"Achieving this designation once is an incredible accomplishment. Earning it twice demonstrates a sustained commitment to creating an exceptional culture," said an ANCC representative. "This is where patient safety and family-centered care are paramount, and nurses are given a meaningful voice in shaping their workplace."

At the heart of this achievement is the collaborative effort of SIH St. Joseph Memorial’s leadership and nursing staff.

"This wasn’t just the work of a few individuals. A team of nearly 20 spent over 18 months preparing the documentation and readying our staff for this process," said Johnna Smith, DNP, chief nurse executive. "I am blessed with an amazing group of leaders and staff at St. Joseph. This achievement is a testament to their dedication.”