Pillars of Professionalism (POP): "POP"ing a Path to Professional Development with a Clinical Ladder Advancement Program

Purpose:
Magnet designation speaks to quality care and nursing professionalism. Our clinical ladder advancement program, Pillars of Professionalism (POP), helps set the standard of clinical excellence by enhancing professional development, teamwork, & motivating staff.

Significance:
POP engages staff in different levels: leadership, research, quality improvement, education, shared governance, community service. With front line nurse feedback, the process was revamped to a point system, ultimately increasing participation & dedication to professionalism and quality.

Strategy and Implementation:
POP was first implemented in 2008 with four different tracks where one could advance up to a level five. The various tracks would help increase interest and integrate with one's specific talents. They were clinical, education, leadership, and research. Various marketing strategies were utilized, in addition to the POP committee nurses serving as mentors, to gain participation from our registered nurses (RNs). Staff nurses gather all the required criteria of their chosen ladder and place it in a portfolio format to be submitted. The committee reviews each submission with Nurse Executive Council acting as final approval. In 2010, due to staff input, it was determined the POP process would evolve to a point system for the 2011 year, allowing nurses greater flexibility and autonomy in deciding which criteria to pursue for the track/level they have chosen. However, some criteria do remain “required.”

Evaluation:
POP has increased the number of nurses who act as unit champions, such as Skin Champions & Magnet Champions, and has increased participation in shared governance. In 2008, 57 RNs advanced on POP. This has increased by 69% in 2011 with the point system. 150 RNs have submitted portfolios for 2012.

Implications for Practice:
For clinical ladders to remain significant there must be ongoing evaluation & validation of RN practice attributes. Point system challenged RNs to seek, complete, & exhibit growth on new wavelength of professional development. Our process can be implemented by those dedicated to quality & RN growth.