Jill Hancock, chief nursing officer at Atrium Health Navicent Peach, has been nationally

recognized with the Pathway Nurse of the Year Nurse Leader Award by the American Nurses Credentialing Center

(ANCC).

The award honors exceptional nurse leaders from Pathway to Excellence-designated health systems worldwide, and

recognizes individuals who exemplify professionalism, leadership and collaboration with their teams.

“Jill is the epitome of a transformational leader, not just to her direct reports, but to other leaders and departments

throughout Atrium Health Navicent Peach,” said Atrium Health Navicent Chief Nurse Tracey Blalock. “She is one of the

most creative problem solvers, and she supports the efforts of our teammates daily. Jill’s undeniable care and

consideration for her team and their community make her the unequivocal best choice for this award.”

Under Hancock’s leadership, Atrium Health Navicent Peach achieved Pathway to Excellence designation from ANCC in

March 2024. To achieve the Pathway to Excellence designation, Atrium Health Navicent Peach met the ANCC’s six

overarching standards that form the framework of a healthy work environment: shared decision-making, leadership,

safety, quality, well-being and professional development. Atrium Health Navicent Peach is one of 10 Pathway to

Excellence designated hospitals in Georgia and one of 231 in the nation.

Hancock’s leadership extends to a focus on quality and safety. Under her guidance, Atrium Health Navicent Peach was

awarded the Atrium Health Silver Touchstone Award for Sustaining the Elimination of Device-Associated Infections, with

the hospital maintaining zero catheter-associated urinary tract infection and central line-associated bloodstream infection

cases for over three years. Her commitment to patient care also has resulted in steadily climbing scores for Hospital

Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems.

Hancock is equally dedicated to her team’s well-being. In 2022, she applied for and received a grant from the Navicent

Health Foundation to create a snack cart that boosted morale among her staff. She recently secured another grant to

establish a Zen Den, providing her team with a dedicated space for relaxation and stress relief.

Atrium Health Navicent Peach is part of Advocate Health, the third-largest nonprofit integrated health system in the United

States which includes 12 ANCC Magnet-designated hospitals and three Pathway to Excellence-designated hospitals.

Magnet designation recognizes a hospital’s commitment to excellence in nursing leadership, professional development,

community impact, professional practice, quality patient care and innovation. Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center

is a four-time Magnet recipient. Atrium Health Navicent Peach was the first in Advocate Health to receive the Pathway to

Excellence designation.