We were delighted to achieve Pathway to Excellence® designation with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) in January 2025.
The Pathway to Excellence® programme is recognised by healthcare organisations across the world for promoting nursing and midwifery excellence.
At the time of designation, STSFT was the eighth NHS Trust in England and the only Trust in the North East to be awarded this international accreditation. Something we are really proud of.
Successful accreditation was based on the following:
- Written evidence that we meet the six pathway standards:
- Professional development
- Shared decision making
- Leadership
- Safety
- Quality
- Wellbeing
- We also had to achieve the following in the Pathway to Excellence® staff validation survey:
- A 60% response rate. We achieved a 75% response rate. This means that 2,426 out of 3,253 nurses and midwives completed the survey.
- 50% 'strongly agree' or 'agree' responses to all 28 questions in the survey. We achieved this.
- 75% 'strongly agree' or 'agree' responses to at least 21 of 28 questions. We exceeded this with 23 questions being answered with ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’. The ANCC also congratulated us on the achievement of scoring over 90% in 11 of the questions. Which is fantastic.
We are the biggest nursing and midwifery workforce to take part in the survey and the only Trust in England to include nurses and midwives from both acute and community services across the whole organisation.
The accreditation highlights the positive environment of our organisation. As well as our commitment to the Trust’s vision to deliver Excellence in all that we do. The Pathway to Excellence® programme will continue to play a role in helping us to continue to improve in order to provide the best experience for both our staff and patients.
For more information on the Pathway to Excellence® programme visit https://www.nursingworld.org/pathway
Pathway to Excellence® Conference 2025
As a Pathway to Excellence® designated organisation, a team of STSFT representatives attended the annual conference in Atlanta. As well as taking to the stage in recognition of our success, it was a chance for them to meet nurses and midwives from around the world, hear inspiring talks, learn, share ideas and celebrate great patient care. 
Sharon McDowell, Assistant Director of Nursing (Collective Leadership), who led the Trust’s work on the submission was also asked to be part of a panel at the Program Director Meeting. Sharon shared her experience and expertise with attendees and was thanked by the ANCC Senior Pathway Team for her incredible contribution which brought invaluable insight to the day.
Esther Iyere - Pathway to Excellence® Conference experience
“The conference reminded me that one person can start change, but real success comes when everyone works together.”
Esther Iyere, Staff Nurse and Professional Nurse Advocate attended the Pathway to Excellence® Conference in Atlanta. Esther tells us how her experience will help strengthen teamwork, wellbeing and safe practice at STSFT. Read more below...
How the Pathway to Excellence Conference has inspired me
Attending the Pathway to Excellence Conference in Atlanta was an experience I will always remember. It gave me the chance to learn, grow and see how nurses across the world are shaping the future of healthcare.
Why I applied
I applied because I care about nursing excellence, shared decision-making, patient safety and staff wellbeing. As a Professional Nurse Advocate, I promote Pathway standards but the conference was a perfect opportunity to deepen my knowledge and learn from international leaders who are driving change in their organisations.
The trip and the conference
The journey was long and tiring, with connecting flights and long waits, but the learning made it worth it. The theme of the conference was “The Power of Nursing”, and this message came through in every session.
The international setting helped me meet nurses from around the world. I learned how the Pathway standards are used in different countries and saw many examples of innovation and evidence-based practice. The exhibition stands, innovation zone and poster displays covered a wide range of topics linked to the Pathway standards.
Every session reminded me that empowered nurses are central to improving patient care.
My highlight
The moment that stood out the most for me was standing on the main stage with colleagues from STSFT, as our Trust was recognised as a Pathway to Excellence designated organisation. We wore our Union Jack outfits, and the auditorium held more than 12,000 people. It felt powerful and emotional.
This moment showed what is possible when nurses are supported, listened to and encouraged to grow. It made me proud of our Trust and proud to be a nurse. Spending time with colleagues also helped strengthen our shared commitment to improving patient care.
What inspired me
I was inspired by the number of nurses leading research, innovation and improvement projects. Many presenters had advanced qualifications and were using their skills to create safer workplaces and better outcomes.
This motivated me to keep developing my own practice. I want to strengthen restorative supervision, encourage reflective practice and continue promoting shared decision-making within theatres. The conference reminded me that one person can start change, but real success comes when everyone works together.
What I brought back
Many sessions linked directly to theatre work. Topics included 'speaking up in the operating room', 'building resilience', 'improving wellbeing' and 'creating safe environments'.
One poster that stood out focused on the safe administration of mitomycin after bladder tumour surgery. This is an area where some of our theatre, recovery and DOSA staff feel unsure. I plan to lead the development of a mandatory annual e-learning module on mitomycin installation for all theatre-trained staff. This will support safety, quality and professional development.
I also shared new wellbeing and resilience ideas to help strengthen teamwork in our multicultural theatre environment.
Keeping Pathway strong at STSFT
I will continue to promote the six Pathway standards in my daily practice. This includes offering restorative supervision, supporting staff wellbeing, encouraging inclusion and helping colleagues feel psychologically safe. I will also lead the rollout of the new mitomycin e-learning module to support safer practice.
Our Pathway journey continues through the actions we take every day to support staff and improve the care we give our patients.
Esther Iyere
Staff Nurse and Professional Nurse Advocate
