< Information for Nurses

Arkansas Children's Northwest Center for Nursing Excellence

Who We Are

A letter from our Nursing Excellence Team

At Arkansas Children's Northwest, nursing is at the heart of everything we do. It is a calling built on compassion, courage, and a deep commitment to the children and families we serve.

Our nurses are not only caregivers-they are leaders, educators, advocates, and innovators. Whether they are welcoming a new graduate to the profession or advancing clinical practice at the bedside, our nurses bring passion and purpose to every interaction. We are proud to support them through a culture that values shared decision-making, continuous learning, and professional growth.

As the Nursing Excellence Team, we are dedicated to creating an environment where nurses feel heard, supported, and inspired. We believe that when nurses thrive, so do our patients and families. That belief drives everything we do.

Thank you for visiting the Center for Nursing Excellence. Whether you are a nurse, team member, patient, or family-we're glad you're here.

- Sincerely, Arkansas Children's Nursing Excellence Team

Graphic of shared governance structure.At ACNW, shared governance is the sun to our Professional Practice Model. Our PPM model is symbolized by a tree - strong, rooted, and growing. But just like a tree needs sunlight to thrive, our
nursing practice needs shared governance to flourish.

Shared governance gives power to the bedside staff, fuels collaboration, and supports decisions that improve patient care. Without it, our tree can't grow. With it, we create a thriving, empowered nursing culture - rooted in excellence, nurtured by your voice.

A Commitment to Nursing & Quality Care


At Arkansas Children's Northwest, we are committed to creating an environment where nurses feel empowered, supported, and inspired to provide the very best care for children and families. That's why we are working toward the Pathway to Excellence® designation - a prestigious recognition awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to healthcare organizations that demonstrate a positive nursing culture.

This journey isn’t just about nursing — it’s about creating a hospital where:

  • All team members thrive professionally and personally
  • Patients and families feel confident in the care they receive
  • Excellence, compassion, safety, and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do

Although we are early in the process, we are excited to share this journey with you.

AC Nursing Professional Development team facilitates the professional development and growth of nurses and other healthcare personnel along the continuum from novice to expert. The goal is to ensure a standardized approach to onboarding, orientation, education, competency management, role development and continuing nursing professional development.

Onboarding

New Hire Orientation - Culture and Connection

  • Laying the foundation for a meaningful career at Arkansas Children's
    • At Arkansas Children's Northwest, we believe that starting strong sets the tone for long-term success. That's why all newly hired team members complete New Hire Orientation (NHO).
    • This engaging experience introduces new employees to the culture, values, and expectations that define who we are - including key topics like safety, compliance, belonging, and inclusion. Team members will also learn about the history and vision of Arkansas Children's, as well as important resources to help them navigate benefits, systems, and support networks.
    • Each new hire is recognized as a “Champion Rising” — a visible reminder to our team to support and welcome those who are just beginning their journey with us.
    • NHO is more than orientation — it’s about building connection, confidence and community from day one.

Professional Nursing Orientation

Professional Nursing Orientation (PNO) introduces nurses and clinical staff to professional nursing and clinical practices at Arkansas Children's Hospital. It also introduces the new hire to the knowledge and skills necessary to function in their new role. Various teaching methods are used, including but not limited to structured classroom presentations, computer-based modules and simulation.

  • Intro to Ethics Management
  • Teamwork - Creating a Healthy Work Environment
  • Compassion - The Patient Experience
  • Safety - Quality and Safety
  • Excellence - Nursing Research
  • Compliance/Social media
  • Airway management & tracheostomy basics
  • Escalation of care, watcher and trauma program overview
  • The Clinical Nurse

Residency

At Arkansas Children's Northwest, we believe in setting our new graduate nurses up for long-term success. Our Nurse Residency Program is designed to support nurses as they transition from the classroom to clinical practice with confidence, compassion, and competence.

Through a structured, 12-month long program, nurse residents receive:

  • Comprehensive education sessions focused on critical thinking, communication, time management, and pediatric-specific topics
  • Participate in a cohort-led Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project that applies current research to improve patient care
  • Dedicated support from experienced preceptors, educators, and mentors
  • Hands-on learning through simulations and real-world clinical experiences Professional development opportunities that encourage reflection, resilience, and growth

The ACNW Nurse Residency Program is more than a training program — it’s a community that empowers new nurses to grow, lead, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.

Career Ladder

At Arkansas Children's Northwest, we believe in investing in our nurses, not just for today, but for their entire career journey. One way we do this is through our RN Clinical Ladder Program, a structured advancement model that is not available at every hospital.

The program provides Registered Nurses with the opportunity to grow professionally and be recognized for their contributions through advancement from RN I to RN V, based on clinical expertise, leadership and commitment to excellence in patient care. 

The program is designed to:

  • Recognize and reward clinical excellence
  • Encourage professional development and lifelong learning
  • Enhance patient care quality through advanced clinical skills
  • Provide a clear, transparent pathway for career progression
  • Establish consistent expectations for professional growth and promotion

Nurses participate in self-evalutions, peer-feedback and use StaffGarden to build their professional portfolio and apply for advancement. 

Whether you are just beginning your career or looking to take the next steps, our Clinical Ladder Program ensures that your hard work, leadership and dedication are seen, celebrated and supported.