The Professional Nurse Development Program (PNDP) is a sweeping innovation for nursing staff at Stanford Health Care, transforming the original nursing ladder program that was implemented in the early 1970s.  Stanford Health Care strives to recognize and reward exemplary care delivery, patient advocacy and improvements in patient outcomes as evidenced through professional nursing practice. A professional development ladder sets nurses on an intentional path towards performing to the full extent of their scope of practice, and beyond. It challenges nurses to strive for the highest levels of nursing practice. This program is only offered to SHC staff.