IONIA, MI – Nurses at Sparrow Ionia Hospital have achieved a major national honor, with the hospital becoming only the third in Michigan to earn the Pathway to Excellence® designation by the American Nurses Credential Center.

Sparrow Ionia is only the second critical access hospital in the state – joining Sparrow Clinton Hospital – to receive the honor. Only 150 healthcare organizations around the country have earned the designation.

Earning the designation required an extensive application process, including 1,500-plus page document. The recognition can only be achieved if Nurses validate the data submitted via an independent, confidential survey.

“We are so proud of the dedication and commitment of all Sparrow Ionia Hospital Caregivers during this Pathway journey,” said Linda Reetz, Vice President, Patient Care Services, and Chief Nursing Officer. The survey validated that “Nurses at Sparrow Ionia Hospital feel this is a place where they can effectively serve our Patients and flourish in a professional practice environment.”

“This designation confirms to our Patients, community, and region that our Nurses are fully engaged in their mission and in leading our hospital forward to strengthen their profession.” Choose Wisely. Choose Sparrow.

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Sparrow Ionia Hospital is a subsidiary of Sparrow Health System, a member of the prestigious Mayo Clinic Care Network. As mid-Michigan’s premier health care organization, Sparrow includes hospitals in Lansing, St. Johns, Ionia and Carson City, as well as Physicians Health Plan, Sparrow Physicians Health Network, and the Michigan Athletic Club. Sparrow is affiliated with Michigan State University’s three human health colleges. Through these partnerships and the dedication of our 10,000 Caregivers, Sparrow pursues a vision to be nationally recognized as a leader in quality and Patient experience. For more information, visit Sparrow.org.