As a hospital administrator, I was very interested to read "Improving the Work Environment, Step by Step" (Editorial, April) since my organization is currently facing an annual average turnover of around 15.3%. The leadership and recruitment teams are trying to find ways to increase nurse retention by providing a healthier work environment.

The article discusses different factors that can affect retention, one of which is Magnet recognition. Magnet is directed toward innovation and quality outcomes, with a limited focus on creating a healthy work environment.¹ Given the turnover rate my facility is experiencing, I feel we need to have a structured framework to follow that specifically addresses the key measures that affect retention, as Pathway to Excellence does.

Pathway to Excellence focuses on empowering nurses and their practice and promoting engagement. It has a unique well-being standard focused specifically on nursing that gives nurses a voice in organizational initiatives related to work-life balance, such as staffing and scheduling, which in turn promotes job satisfaction and retention.1 This is important to nursing leadership because supportive practice environments are associated with improved job satisfaction, which has a positive impact on retention and, consequentially, cost reduction. In directing organizational focus toward these standards, I hope we can achieve an increase in retention while creating a framework for excellence in health care.

Emily Morris, BSN, RN

San Antonio, TX

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