We believe that successful associates are the product of a dynamic environment—one that constantly seeks out creative new ways to promote and acknowledge the everyday accomplishments of its staff. The Clinical Advancement System (CAS) evolved from a taskforce of RN associates who were passionate about identifying opportunities to reward and promote professional nursing practice of nurses involved in direct patient care. The end result of the work of the taskforce was the development of a professional advancement model. To date, the CAS continues to encourage the promotion and recognition of RN associates delivering patient care across the organization.

At Saint Mary's Health Care, we understand and appreciate the value of the RN associate providing direct patient care. We, as an organization, are dedicated to facilitating growth of professional nursing practice. In essence, the CAS of Saint Mary's Health Care is committed to providing our registered nurses with the resources that allow them to become better versions of themselves. Thus, the overall goals of the CAS are as follow:


• To provide guidelines that allows professional growth opportunities that are consistent, and compatible with each RN associate's goal trajectory.

• To recognize and reward excellence in clinical nursing practice in order to encourage personal and professional and professional growth, and increase accountability at the bedside.

• To improve the quality of patient care by promoting higher levels of practice through increased knowledge, skills, and competencies.

• To recruit and retain professional nurses with values consistent with Saint Mary’s Health Care and who value the importance of direct patient care.