Professional Nursing Pathway

Welcome to Crouse Health’s Professional Nursing Pathway. This program was created to foster, validate and recognize the professional development and achievements of our registered nurses. The pathway is based on the research of Dr. Patricia Benner and the ongoing development of nursing expertise from novice to expert.

The four levels of skill — novice, competent, proficient and expert — equate to the four levels that can be achieved on the Professional Nursing Pathway: RN1, RN2, RN3 and RN4. Participation of nurses in a professional development pathway has been shown to increase individual self-worth and job satisfaction, and improve patient outcomes.

Core requirements at each level of the Professional Nursing Pathway identify the expected competencies and behaviors of the registered nurse at that level, in addition to academic and work experience requirements. RN1 is entry level, and all Crouse Health nurses are considered an RN1 upon successful completion of the orientation period. RN2 and above require a nurse to achieve professional milestones related to professional development, as well as participate in certain activities within five categories. These categories were derived from RN Standards of Care, the Crouse Nursing Model, and 14 Magnet forces, and include:

1.       Leadership
2.       Quality/ Performance Improvement
3.       Professional Development
4.       Service to the Community/ Hospital
5.       Nurse as Preceptor/ Mentor/ Educator