Pathway Program Director Spotlight- Winter Horton

Chief Executive Spotlight

Todd Jones, Chief Ambulatory Services Officer, BayCare Health System
Todd Jones, Chief Ambulatory Services Officer, BayCare Health System

What did achieving the Pathway designation mean to you, personally and as a member of your organization?

 As the chief ambulatory services officer for BayCare, one of the nation’s best-performing health care systems and the largest not-for-profit health care system dedicated to the communities of West Central Florida, it’s been my privilege to oversee BayCare’s four ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). When we heard in 2023 from ANCC leadership that our ASCs had become the first ambulatory surgery department in the U.S. to achieve Pathway to Excellence® Program designation status, it was a flood of emotions. For me, it was immense pride in my team and the countless hours of hard work they had put into the effort. I was also gratified seeing, as I have witnessed before in my career in health care administration, that the Pathway process works.

How do you feel the PTE framework supports your nurses at any given time?

 

Throughout the Pathway process, we’ve further enhanced BayCare’s signature reputation for clinical excellence combined with compassionate care. More of our ASC nurses are gaining additional certifications, having input on how to balance work pressure and pace for our busy centers, and benefiting from optimized scheduling practices and bolstered communication from leadership. It was so rewarding to know that as our team navigated through this journey, they saw reduced turnover, improved sigma process levels for surgical site infections and improved consumer assessment scores. For my personal leadership, I utilize the principles from the Pathway framework to guide and mentor the other leaders I support across our ambulatory division.

Thank you, Todd, for your support of the positive practice environment!