AZLE, Texas - Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Azle received its sixth Pathway to Excellence^® designation Tuesday from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), recognizing the hospital's commitment to a positive practice environment.

"This is a continued legacy and a continued commitment to making sure your nurses are taken care of and are making an impact in your organization," said Marvin Jones, ANCC commission member at large. "Outstanding!"

Texas Health Azle is one of just a handful of organizations worldwide to receive the honor six times, ANCC records showed. Pathway to Excellence is an international recognition of nursing excellence.

There are 303 Pathway organizations. A total of 257 of those are in the U.S. and 46 are in Texas. Designations are made every four years.

"We have an incredible team here," said Tonya Sosebee, M.S.N., R.N., NEA-BC, president and chief nursing officer. "We're a small hospital and it takes a village. It takes every one of us doing our jobs and supporting one another."

She added that Robert Potter, M.S.N., R.N., CEN, NE-BC, director of nursing services, was instrumental in Azle receiving the designation.

"Robert is our Pathway coordinator, setting the timeline, authoring the document and ensuring our supporting documents met the criteria for each of the six standards," she said.

The six areas are shared decision-making, leadership, safety, quality, well-being and professional development.