AdventHealth has introduced the Professional Excellence Program (PEP), an initiative designed to support the growth and well-being of nurses within its system. The program, developed by nurses for nurses, aims to recognize clinical expertise while emphasizing whole-person care, which includes attention to body, mind, and spirit.
Trish Celano, RN, MSN, who serves as system chief nursing executive and associate chief clinical officer for AdventHealth, explained the motivation behind PEP. “For years, we’ve seen how much our bedside nurses bring to the organization. They have tremendous knowledge built over years of experience, but we heard from many that the only way to advance professionally was to leave the bedside,” she said. “That didn’t feel right. We wanted to build a program that honors their expertise, recognizes their contribution and creates a path for growth where they are. When experienced nurses stay in direct care, patients receive the benefit of both expert technical skill and compassionate presence.”
Celano emphasized that patient care improves when nurses remain at the bedside and are supported in their professional development. She also highlighted how PEP aligns with AdventHealth’s philosophy: “Whole-person care – caring for body, mind and spirit – is at the center of who we are. The same belief applies to how we support our team members. Nurses give so much of themselves in every shift, and the program was designed to help them feel whole, too.”
A key component of PEP is self-care for nurses. “That’s why self-care is built in as one of the key elements. We encourage nurses to take time for reflection, to learn about boundaries and emotional health and to care for their physical well-being. When a nurse can prioritize their own wellness, they have the capacity and compassion to care for others fully,” Celano stated.
The program draws on Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring as its foundation. According to Celano: “That framework helps us think beyond tasks and outcomes to the relationships that form between caregiver and patient. Those human moments – listening, comforting, praying together – are where healing happens.”
PEP stands out due to its collaborative development process involving front-line nurses from across AdventHealth’s more than 50 hospitals nationwide. It recognizes excellence in six areas: education, evidence-based practice, clinical achievement, professional development, leadership and self-care.
Celano noted that mentoring is a significant aspect: “Every hospital has program champions serving as nurse mentors and guides… That mentoring piece has been powerful. It creates connection and builds a sense of community across units and campuses.” The digital hub allows easy tracking of progress.
Since its launch in 2022, feedback from participants has been positive with improved retention rates among those involved—more than three times higher than baseline levels according to Celano—and thousands have joined so far.
“When that happens,” Celano said about increased support for nurses through PEP programs,” it changes the environment of care… Nurses who feel valued bring a deeper level of caring to their work.” She also mentioned stronger collaboration between nurses and physicians as another benefit.
Looking ahead, AdventHealth plans ongoing evaluation of long-term outcomes related to team engagement and quality measures while continuing frontline feedback efforts.
AdventHealth Orlando is located in Orlando, Florida; it was founded in 1908 and currently led by president Terry Shaw. The hospital features both pediatric services and training programs for healthcare professionals.
Those interested in nursing careers at AdventHealth can find more information online.
