July 8, 2008 Brownsville, Texas

Valley Regional Medical Center is pleased to announce it has achieved Pathway to Excellence™ designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

The Pathway to Excellence designation identifies the elements of work environments where nurses can flourish. The designation substantiates the professional satisfaction of nurses at Valley Regional Medical Center and identifies it as one of the best places to work.

“Our goal at Valley Regional Medical Center is to actively create an optimal environment for our nurses which supports ongoing education and values their input so we can provide the best possible care for our patients,” said David G. Handley, CEO.

The Pathway to Excellence designation is granted based on the confirmed presence of characteristics known as “The Pathway to Excellence Criteria.”  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 present in the facility’s practices, policies, and culture. Nurses in the organization verify the presence of the criteria in the organization through participation in a completely confidential online survey.

As a Pathway to Excellence™ designated organization, Valley Regional Medical Center is committed to nurses, to what nurses identify as important to their practice, and to valuing nurses’ contributions in the workplace. This designation confirms to the public that nurses working at Valley Regional Medical Center know their efforts are supported. The honor encourages other nurses to join their colleagues in this desirable and nurturing environment.

About Valley Regional Medical Center

A household name in Brownsville, Valley Regional Medical Center voted the Best Hospital in the 2007 Brownsville Herald’s Reader’s Choice Awards is well known for its commitment to providing quality compassionate care to the patients in this community. With over 200 physicians representing over 25 specialties, Valley Regional Medical Center leads the Valley in a broad range of high quality programs including state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging, cardiac care, laparoscopic and endoscopic surgeries, neurosurgery, orthopedics, neonatal intensive care unit, women’s services and pediatrics. For information on Valley Regional Medical Center’s programs and services, log on to www.valleyregionalmedicalcenter.com

About ANCC
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA), provides individuals and organizations throughout the nursing profession with the resources they need to achieve practice excellence. ANCC's internationally renowned credentialing programs certify nurses in specialty practice areas; recognize healthcare organizations for promoting safe, positive work environments through the Pathway to Excellence Program™; and accredit providers of continuing nursing education. In addition, ANCC provides leading-edge information and education services and products to support its core credentialing programs. www.nursecredentialing.org