Houston Methodist St. John Hospital is pleased to announce it has achieved Pathway to Excellence designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.


The Pathway to Excellence designation identifies the elements of interprofessional work environments where nurses can flourish and feel empowered. The designation substantiates nursing job satisfaction at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital and identifies it as one of the best places to work.

“We are proud to be the only hospital in the greater Bay Area to achieve Pathway to Excellence designation,” said Katherine Walsh, Chief Nursing Officer at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital. “Our leadership team has a firm commitment to supporting our nurses in every way possible. We understand the positive impact this has on quality of care and on our patients’ experiences. When nurses feel valued, their patients receive superior care.”

The Pathway to Excellence designation is granted based on the confirmed presence of the six Pathway to Excellence Practice Standards:

1. Shared decision-making

2. Leadership

3. Safety

4. Quality

5. Well-being

6. Professional development


For an organization to earn the Pathway to Excellence distinction, it must successfully undergo a thorough review process that documents foundational quality initiatives in creating a positive work environment — as defined by nurses and supported by research. These initiatives must be integrated in the facility’s practices, policies and culture. Nurses in the organization validate the presence of the criteria in the organization through participation in a voluntary and confidential online survey.

About Houston Methodist St. John Hospital

Houston Methodist St. John Hospital brings the expertise and compassionate care of Houston Methodist Hospital in The Texas Medical Center – a national Honor Roll hospital – to Bay Area communities. The hospital provides a broad spectrum of adult, medical and surgical care, is an accredited chest pain center, and is also acute stroke-ready designated through DNV. St. John offers many inpatient and outpatient services, including state-of-the-art imaging, labor and delivery with a Level 2 neonatal ICU, minimally invasive surgery, and comprehensive orthopedics and sports medicine.