CANTON – The “Pathway to Excellence” designation granted to Rochester Regional Health’s St. Lawrence Region system of hospitals four months ago demonstrates its nurses are at the forefront of building a positive and caring environment, a Feb. 12 press release from Rochester Regional Health stated.

Every nurse throughout Canton-Potsdam, Gouverneur, and Massena hospitals was involved in making the three-year Pathway to Excellence journey a reality. 

The Pathway program is administered by the American Nurses Credential Center and is given in recognition of healthcare organizations that have created a healthy work environment for nurses. The St. Lawrence Region group is the only system of hospitals in New York State to achieve this exceptional designation. 

Kaipo Rogers, MSN, RN, is a Nurse Educator for the St. Lawrence Region who spends her time throughout the area in offices in Canton, Gouverneur, Massena, and Potsdam. She pointed out that working within a Pathway-designated system is beneficial for patients and nurses alike.  

“For me, the designation means our healthcare organization is recognized for creating a great work environment for nurses. This recognition shows we prioritize supporting our nurses, which in turn leads to better care for our patients,” Rogers said.  

“For our patients, it creates a positive practice environment where nurses feel empowered and engaged. There is a strong focus on safety and quality that prioritizes both the patient and nurse,” she added. 

The care provided throughout the St. Lawrence Region is focused on the needs and preferences of patients and their families. Patients can expect better overall care, more personalized attention, and a safer, more respectful healthcare experience. 

The Pathway designation elevates patient care by empowering nurses and prioritizing safety and quality, which helps to improve the quality of care and collectively leads to better patient outcomes. 

“For new nurses joining our team, the designation signifies a supportive and collaborative work environment that promotes professional development, mentorship, and shared decision-making,” Rogers said. “It offers opportunities for career growth and ongoing education, making it an ideal place for nurses to thrive and advance in their careers.” 

Rogers joined the St. Lawrence Region team as a newly graduated Licensed Practical Nurse in 2014, earned her Registered Nurse license in 2019, and completed her Master’s in Nursing degree in 2023. She noted it was while working in a general surgeon’s Massena office that she took the step to become a nurse. 

“During clinic hours, I would assist him in the exam room during patient visits and procedures. He would explain those procedures in detail and highlighted the crucial role nurses play in patient care. He had a great deal of respect and appreciation for the nurses he worked with and would frequently acknowledge their contributions. This made me realize the value and impact of nursing,” Rogers said of her previous employer. 

“This surgeon's love for healthcare and his ability to convey that passion through teaching and mentorship had a profound impact on me. It opened my eyes to the rewarding and vital role of nursing,” she stated.  

To learn more about nursing throughout Rochester Regional Health and the St. Lawrence Region, visit https://www.rochesterregional.org/healthcare-professionals/nursing.