Culture of ExcellenceHigh standards of care are expected by patients and families regarding all types of health care. Creating a culture of excellence within an organization is necessary to increase patient satisfaction and improve patient outcomes. This article will examine a hospital that creates a culture of excellence within the organization to ensure these results. Committees within the organization were established to review all aspects of the hospital and its operations to receive feedback to create change. This company implements high standards of care and practice that provide a culture of excellence. Review current articles to understand what defines excellence and the importance it has to an organization. This article will also summarize and analyze the interview of a unit manager involved in the implementation of a culture of excellence. This author will also discuss the nursing theories and standards of practice that lead to the assessment of this particular topic. This article will also examine how the author's journey through the baccalaureate program has changed her nursing profession and the opportunities it will open in the future. Project descriptionHow to define a culture of excellence and then achieve it? “Excellence, by definition, means a state of (high) quality, superiority, eminently good, superior, or first class” (Wiggins & Hyrkas, 2011, p. 1). Most health care organizations rely on reimbursement from private insurance, Medicare/Medicaid, private payroll, and investors. Reimbursements for Medicare/Medicaid depend in part on patient satisfaction, which is assessed through the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS). These surveys assess all aspects of patient...... middle of paper ...... Thor has learned valuable tools to ensure optimal communication and listing with everyone she meets. The opportunity she had to develop new skills and improve old ones created many new opportunities for her future. Works Cited Alligood, MR and Tomey, AM (2010). Nursing Theorists and Their Work (7th ed.). Maryland Heights, MO: Mosby Elsevier. Behavioral Standards [Core Values]. (2014). St. Luke's Presbyterian Medical Center: Health One. Cliff, B. (2012, May/June). Excellence in patient satisfaction in a patient-centered culture. Journal of Healthcare Management, 57, 157-159. http://dx.doi.org/Retrieved fromWiggins, M.S. and Hyrkas, K. (2011). Achieving excellence in nursing management. Journal of Nursing Management, 19, 1-4. Yoder-Wise, P. S. (2011). Leading and managing in nursing (5th ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Mosby.