MASSENA – The three-year journey to gain Pathway to Excellence® designation is proof that all nurses throughout Rochester Regional Health’s St. Lawrence Region are committed to providing the best possible care to their patients.  

The Pathway to Excellence program is administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and given in recognition of healthcare organizations that have created a healthy work environment for nurses. The St. Lawrence Region group is the only system of hospitals in New York State to achieve this exceptional designation. Every nurse throughout Canton-Potsdam, Gouverneur, and Massena hospitals and the Clinical Network was involved in making the designation a reality. 

One of those dedicated nurses is Tina Vassar whose role and contributions reflect the spirit of this achievement. Her leadership and day-to-day commitment helped ensure that the standards of the Pathway program were woven into every level of care. “Specifically at Massena Hospital, we are solidifying our commitment to excellence of care in our rural area through our Pathway to Excellence designation,” said Vassar. “As a Pathway designated organization, we have made a commitment to following the Pathway Standards in the work we do every day by practicing shared decision making, encouraging leadership, promoting safety, and focusing on quality, wellbeing, and the professional development of staff.”

Vassar began her nursing journey at Massena Hospital in 2022 as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency room. She has since moved into surgical services, where she now spends the majority of her time in the Endoscopy Department. Vassar proudly graduated with an associate’s degree in nursing in 2020 from SUNY Canton. “I entered the nursing field right in the middle of the COVID pandemic,” said Vassar. “I was very proud to be joining a group of brave warriors who were willing to "step up" when everyone else was told to stay away.”

Vassar’s contributions to the Pathway program are a result of her service on her hospital’s unit-based council. “On the unit-based council, we use evidence-based research to ensure we are utilizing the most innovative practices, while collaborating with coworkers in an attempt to cultivate an environment of learning and growth,” continued Vassar.  “The council ensures that I, along with other staff members, have a voice in making positive changes that impact the work environment, job satisfaction, and overall patient safety and care outcomes.”

For patients, the Pathway designation delivers meaningful benefits that are felt in every interaction and outcome. “For patients in the St. Lawrence Region where health care is limited, it is important to have quality caregivers who are keeping up-to-date on cutting edge research and processes while providing top notch care,” said Vassar. “At Massena Hospital, we are solidifying our commitment to excellence of care in our rural area through our Pathway to Excellence designation.”

Vassar has worked in various areas of nursing care such as medical surgical, dialysis, emergency department, and surgical services. In May 2024, through the help of Rochester Regional Health, she was able to continue her education and graduated with a bachelor’s of science in nursing. “The Pathway to Excellence designation to me is recognition of my team’s commitment to providing excellence in nursing care to our community,” said Vassar. It provides a voice for me, and in turn for my patients, my family, and yours within the North Country. It brings me hope that changes can be made to make a better future here within our rural community to address healthcare needs.”

To learn more about nursing throughout the Rochester Regional Health and the St. Lawrence region, visit Nursing | Rochester Regional Health.