Incredible Health Staff

Nursing Degrees & Schools / MSN to DNP

Nurses with a master’s of science in nursing degree often take the next step to obtain a DNP or doctor of nursing practice. The MSN to DNP path is the traditional way students earn the DNP, and it can be a big step forward. Many nurses choose to earn a DNP degree because it offers more career opportunities and other benefits you’ll discover in this post.

Specifically, this post will cover: 

• What can a nurse do with a DNP?
• What are MSN to DNP admission requirements?
• What is the DNP curriculum like?
• What are the top DNP programs?
• How do you pay for a DNP program?
• Are you ready for an MSN to DNP program?

What can a nurse do with a DNP?

Nurses who receive a DNP set themselves to move into a new field or gain a competitive advantage over the nurses in their respective fields. The two settings that most DNP graduates work in are: 

• Leadership and administration
• Advanced Practice Registered Nursing 

The difference in these two settings comes down to whether the nurse wants to work with or without patients. 

Leadership and administrative roles

Going from MSN to a DNP degree allows nurses to help make overarching policy changes on an administrative level.

Specifically, DNPs with a leadership and administrative focus work in: 

• Organizational leadership
• Health policy
• Health informatics systems 
• Nurse management

Advanced Practice Nursing 

This setting is for nurses who wish to work with patients directly. While obtaining a DNP to work in specific APRN roles is not necessary, earning this degree can set nurses up for a raise or give them a competitive advantage over their peers.

DNPs who want to become an APRN need to take the APRN certification exam. They also may need to seek out advanced specialty certification. 

The DNP typically works as a: 

• Nurse Practitioner (NP) – These are health care professionals who often work independently from a doctor’s supervision to help prevent illness and teach wellness practices to patients. They do not currently need a DNP degree, but this is likely to change by 2025. 
• CRNA or Nurse Anesthetist – These clinicians work with nurses and physicians to administer anesthesia. Currently, you only need an MSN. However, this is also slated to change by 2025, and CRNAs may start requiring a DNP.
• Clinical Nurse Specialist – These are clinicians who work with nurses and patients in the role of a nurse. Currently, you only need an MSN for this position. 

[ Looking for more information? Get instant salary estimates and personalized matches with high-paying nursing jobs. ]

BACK TO TOP

What are MSN to DNP admission requirements?

Every MSN to DNP program will have different standards for admission. However, the general requirements are as followed: 

• Having an MSN degree from an accredited university
• Having an active nursing license in the school’s state you want to attend 
• Personal essay
• In-person interview
• Letters of recommendation
• Having a competitive GPA

BACK TO TOP

What does the DNP curriculum look like?

The DNP aspect of the MSN to DNP program will include courses like: 

• Interprofessional Collaboration
• Health Policy and Advanced Nursing Practice 
• Health Care Delivery Systems 
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Clinical and DNP Project
• Leadership in Healthcare
• Project Management
• Clinical Informatics

DNP programs require 1,000 hours of practice experience (500 can be transferred from the MSN program). 

After the DNP program, the student will have to submit a final project. They will have a chance to work with a mentor for the project. 

Full-time students can complete the MSN to DNP program in one to two years. 

BACK TO TOP

What are some of the top MSN to DNP programs?

According to US News & World Report, the top five universities with MSN to DNP programs are:

1. Johns Hopkins University – A private school in Baltimore, MD, with an application deadline of January 1, and an application fee of $75 for US residents.
2. Duke University – A private school in Durham, NC, with an application deadline of December 1, and an application fee of $50 for US residents.
3. Rush University – A private school in Chicago, IL, has an application deadline of January 2, and an application fee of $115 for US residents.
4. The University of Washington – A public school in Seattle, WA, with an application deadline of January 15, and an application fee of $85 for US residents.
5. Columbia University – A private school in New York, NY, with an application deadline of January 20, and an application fee of $75 for US residents.

BACK TO TOP

How do I pay for an MSN to DNP program?

Once you pick a program, you need to decide if you will apply for financial aid. DNP programs can cost a lot, so look closely at your finances to determine if you need financial assistance. 

If you need help, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

Any DNP program you want to attend will use the FAFSA to determine your needs. 

If you feel worried about taking on loans, some companies and programs offer student loan forgiveness following graduation. 

Are you ready for an MSN to DNP program?

Determining whether you’re ready for an MSN to DNP program means assessing your career goals honestly. If you are happy in your current role making the salary you are, then it may not be best to spend time and money on a DNP program. But if you want to learn new things, work with patients or administrators in new ways, earn more money, or go deeper into your nursing specialty, a DNP program might be right for you. 

---

---

BACK TO TOP

Career Resources / Job Searching / Best Hospitals Louisiana

When you think of Louisiana, you might think of Mardi Gras, or incredible food, or maybe the unique culture. You might even think of the swamps and the incredible ecosystems living within them. But did you know that Louisiana also has some amazing hospitals to work at? 

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) has developed the Magnet Recognition Program to honor hospitals that nurture nursing talent. Only the best hospitals that meet a certain criteria are designated as Magnet hospitals. These hospitals can be a great place to work as the criteria includes job satisfaction among nurses and the hospital’s ability to retain nursing staff. If you’re planning to work in Louisiana, consider our list of the best Louisiana hospitals in which to further your career.

Best Hospitals in Louisiana 

In addition to Magnet hospitals, this list also looks at hospitals with ratings and rankings by U.S. News & World Report and by the Federal Government’s Medicare program. 

---

---

Children’s Hospital New Orleans

The Children’s Hospital New Orleans is a pediatric acute care teaching hospital. It is nationally ranked for two children’s specialties, Pediatric Nephrology and Pediatric Urology, by U.S. News and World Report. Regionally, it is ranked number 2in Louisiana and number 15in the Southeast. The Children’s Hospital New Orleans has also received accreditation and certification by The Joint Commission, a nationwide recognition of quality that evaluates the healthcare organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards. 

 Learn more about Children’s Hospital New Orleans:

• Administration: Non-profit
• Location: New Orleans, Louisiana 
• Number of employees: 2,000 
• Hospital network: 14 facilities 

East Jefferson General Hospital

The East Jefferson General Hospital has partnered with the LCMC Health system. It is a four-star overall and patient survey rating, according to Medicare. Additionally, it is considered high performing in two procedures – lung cancer surgery and heart failure – by U.S. News and World Report. It also became the first hospital in Louisiana to earn heart failure accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care. 

Learn more about East Jefferson General Hospital :

• Administration: Non-profit
• Location: Metairie, Louisiana 
• Number of employees: 1,858
• Hospital network: 22 facilities

Ochsner Medical Center*

Ochsner Medical Center is a part of Ochsner Health, an integrated healthcare system with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate, and Innovate. Regionally ranked as the number 1 hospital in Louisiana by U.S. News and World Report, it is also nationally ranked in one adult specialty and three children’s specialties and is rated high performing in 14 procedures. 

Ochsner Health has won numerous accolades and recognitions, including accreditation for Electrophysiology in January 2020 from the American College of Cardiology (ACC). 

Learn more about Ochsner Medical Center:

• Administration: Non-profit
• Location: New Orleans, Louisiana 
• Hospital network: 40 facilities 
• Number of employees: 34,000+ 

Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center

This hospital offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services with specialties in weight loss programs, cardiology, bariatric surgery, and stroke. This hospital was regionally ranked the best hospital in Baton Rouge, designated number three in all of Louisiana, and rated high performing in eight procedures by U.S. News and World Report.  

The Leapfrog Group awarded Our Lady of the Lake an “A” as its Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade in 2019. The designation recognizes the hospital’s efforts in protecting patients from harm and providing safer healthcare.

Learn more about Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center: 

• Administration: Non-profit
• Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana 
• Number of employees: 3,000 
• Hospital network: 8 facilities

Willis-Knighton Medical Center

The Willis-Knighton Medical Center is an award-winning that provides general medical and surgical procedures. It’s rated as high performing in 14 procedures and conditions, including aortiv value surgery, back surgery and color cancer surgery, by U.S. News & World Report. It also made Newsweek’s “World’s Best Hospitals” list

Learn more about Willis-Knighton Medical Center: 

• Administration: Non-profit
• Location: Shreveport, Louisiana 
• Number of employees: 8,000 
• Hospital network: 5 facilities

Woman’s Hospital

Woman’s Hospital is a specialized hospital in Louisiana that is known for its obstetrics and gynecology facilities. It also offers Medical Surgical ICU, Bariatric/Weight Control Services, and an on-site Emergency Department. Medicare gives it a four-star overall rating as well as a four-star patient survey rating.

This year, Woman’s won the award for gynecology and maternity care, one of only five hospitals in the world and the only one in the United States to be recognized for these specialties.

Learn more about Woman’s Hospital: 

• Administration: Non-profit
• Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana 
• Number of employees: 2,340 

* Incredible Health helps these hospitals find permanent nurses. Sign up to get matched with nursing jobs!

What makes a best hospital in Louisiana 

The ‘Best Hospital’ tag is not an easy one to get. Multiple factors ranging from patient and employee satisfaction to safety records and technology can impact the quality of a hospital. You should consider the following factors carefully before you commit to working at any of these hospitals. 

Benefits

Wages are not the only factor to consider before starting a job. The best hospitals also offer additional benefits or perks that can enhance your work experience. These can include childcare services, paid maternity and paternity leaves, wellness programs, and tuition assistance. 

Growth opportunities

Apart from wages and benefits, it’s important to know if your new employer provides growth opportunities for your career. If career mobility is important to you, you can consider working at hospitals that offer more in-demand, high-skilled roles with better wages, such as nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist.

Employee satisfaction

As an employee, job satisfaction is important because it directly impacts your ability to work. Because of the high-stress, fast-paced environment of a hospital, you are susceptible to experiencing burnout and developing compassion fatigue, which can adversely impact your job performance. 

You should ensure that the hospital you choose to work for prioritizes employee satisfaction by offering benefits and perks such as mental health and wellness programs. 

High patient satisfaction 

Patient satisfaction is one of the leading indicators of the quality of healthcare offered by a hospital. High employee satisfaction leads to high patient satisfaction, and vice versa. 

Other factors that make a top hospital 

The above list is not exhaustive. Other factors that enhance healthcare quality, such as safety records, ethics, and even technology, set apart the best hospitals. 

Safety record is critical 

Ensuring safety is one of the most critical goals for any quality hospital. If hospitals don’t follow patient safety rules set by The Joint Commission (TJC), they risk losing their accreditation status.

Hospital policies that focus on customer services 

Getting admitted to a hospital can be a daunting process for most patients. Apart from their primary job of providing healthcare, hospitals need to ensure they provide seamless and helpful customer service for numerous other functions, including billing and finance, insurance filing, cafeteria, and more. Good customer service is essential for a hospital as it directly impacts patient satisfaction. 

Latest technology and training improve healthcare

Technological innovation is revolutionizing the healthcare landscape. The best hospitals leverage technology to improve patient care and satisfaction. For example, Ochsner Health has launched innovationOchsner (iO), a think tank that specializes in using “technology and data to create precision-focused, patient-centered solutions.”

Ethics leading the way

The best hospitals ensure that ethics guide their practices and processes. Most hospitals outline a detailed code of conduct to maintain the highest ethical standards and implement non-discriminatory practices. For example, the Children’s Hospital New Orleans lists its patient rights, which guarantee non-discrimination regardless of patients’ age, race, color, or culture as well as patients’ right to consent to or refuse medical treatment, among other rights. 

Next steps

Regardless of whether you’re an experienced nurse or a recent graduate, working for the best hospitals in any state is a great decision for your career. 

However, applying to the best hospitals without the right resources can be a daunting task. At Incredible Health, we have compiled easy guides to help you land your dream nursing job in top Louisiana hospitals. Follow the steps below to increase your chances of getting hired. 

Build your resume

Since the top hospitals are competitive to get into, it’s important to present yourself in a unique manner in your resume to stand out from the competition. Consider including factors apart from your education, such as accreditations, specific skills, and solid references. Follow our best practices to create a strong nursing resume. 

Join a nurses association

Joining nursing organizations and nursing unions can be an effective way to network, get access to jobs, and connect with mentors. Before making a choice to join a union, read our guides to consider the pros and cons of this decision. 

---

---

Attend industry educational conferences and workshops

As discussed, technological innovation has made healthcare a dynamic industry. It is crucial to constantly upskill yourself by learning new technologies and techniques to stand out from the competition. Attending nursing conferences and workshops is a good place to start. 

Keep up with continuing education requirements

Continuing education requirements vary by state. At Incredible Health, we have compiled guides to help you understand state-specific requirements. Use our Louisiana nursing guide to update yourself on Louisiana’s continuing education requirements as well as information such as nursing salaries and nursing associations.

Incredible Health offers free CEU courses. All you have to do is sign up on our website to access them. 

Search for job openings

Our platform offers a variety of resources to guide you toward nursing openings at several hospitals in Louisiana, including those mentioned above. Create a profile at Incredible Health, and let the best hospitals in the state reach out to you! 

Transfer your nursing license to Louisiana 

If you’re currently out of state and want to work in Louisiana, a nursing compact state, learn about your options. If you’re moving from a compact state to Louisiana, you can easily transfer your license. However, the process might be more complicated if you’re coming from a non-compact state. Follow our guide to get a nursing license in another state. 

Career Resources / Job Searching / Best Hospitals Delaware

Delaware may be the second smallest state in the country, but it is big on reasons to make it home. Conveniently situated with easy access to major cities including Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and New York, it also boasts beautiful, clean beaches and plenty of recreational areas that invite hiking, biking, and exploration.

The state boasts excellent public and private schools, a widely respected state university, and tax advantages including low income tax rates that exempt Social Security benefits, no sales tax, and one of the lowest real estate property taxes in the country. Add to all of those attractions the opportunity to work at one of the three facilities recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as Magnet Hospitals for their nursing excellence, and you can see why so many people want to make “the First State” their state.

Delaware’s Top Hospital

• Bayhealth
• ChristianaCare
• Nemours Children’s Health

Best hospitals in Delaware

Delaware is a tiny state with only 13 hospitals, yet it boasts three facilities that have earned Magnet Hospital status and one that is nationally ranked for its specialty services by U.S. News & World Report.

Our assessment of the best facilities in the state considers those elements as well as safety data from government agencies like Medicare, awards and recognition bestowed by major publishers and organizations, comments from current and previous employees posted on employment sites like Glassdoor, and safety grades from watchdog organizations like The Leapfrog Group.

Bayhealth

Residents of central and southern Delaware have their healthcare needs served by Bayhealth, a level III trauma center that also provides a birthing room, cardiovascular and cancer services, patient and family support services, and numerous specialty services, community outreach, and imaging services.

In addition to being awarded Magnet Hospital status, Bayhealth has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognition from esteemed organizations, including receiving the Gold Seal of Approval and being named a Top Performer on Key Quality Metrics from the Joint Commission, Silver Recognition from Planetree for excellence in patient-centered care, and the PRISM Award for Exemplary Practice from the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses.

The hospital was also named a Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and several departments have been awarded a Most Wired recognition from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives. 

Notable facts about Bay Health include: 

• Not-for-profit hospital and health system
• Located in Dover, Delaware
• Bayhealth is comprised of two hospitals as well as a freestanding emergency department and several satellite facilities and employed physician practices encompassing a variety of specialties
• Number of employees: 4,000+ across the system 

---

---

ChristianaCare*

ChristianaCare is in Wilmington, Delaware. Once known as Wilmington Hospital, the nonprofit teaching hospital is one of three in the health care organization. It has distinguished itself as a Magnet Hospital and has consistently been ranked #1 Delaware’s Best Hospital and #4 for nearby Philadelphia by U.S. News & World Report, which also noted it as High Performing in one adult specialty as well as in 13 procedures and conditions.

ChristianaCare has won numerous awards, including having been rated by Computerworld as one of the nation’s Best Places to Work in IT. Forbes ranked ChristianaCare #40 on its list of America’s Best Employers for Diversity and #154 on its list of America’s Best Large Employers, and the hospital earned a top score in the Human Rights Campaign’s Healthcare Equality Index eleven years in a row.

ChristianaCare was rated among the World’s Best Hospitals by Newsweek, all while achieving a noteworthy four-star rating for overall performance from Medicare. 

Notable facts about ChristianaCare include: 

• Non-profit hospital and corporate headquarters for Christiana Care health network
• Located in Wilmington, Delaware
• ChristianaCare is comprised of two hospitals in Delaware and one in Maryland as well as a cancer center, a heart and vascular health center, a women and children’s health center, a home health agency, and a preventive medicine and rehabilitation center
• Number of employees: 12,181employees across the system
• Number of nurses and care technicians: 3,922 across the system

Nemours Children’s Health

Nemours Children’s Hospital was called the Alfred I. duPont Institute when it opened its doors in 1940. Over the years it has evolved into one of the nation’s top pediatric hospitals.

A Magnet Hospital, it has been ranked nationally by U.S. News & World Report for both Orthopedics and Endocrinology and one of the ten best children’s hospitals in the Mid-Atlantic for the treatment of cancer, for neonatology, and for urology. 

Among the awards and recognition it has received, it was verified as a level 1 Children’s Surgery Center by the American College of Surgeons Children’s Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program; the Lantern Award from the Emergency Nurses Association for commitment to quality and innovation in emergency care; and its website KidsHealth.org won four 2022 Telly Awards for excellence in video communication. 

Notable facts about Nemours Children’s Health include: 

• Non-profit pediatric hospital providing specialties and subspecialties to infants, children, teens, and young adults up to age 21
• Located in Wilmington, Delaware
• Administered by the Nemours Foundation, Nemours Children’s Health is one of the largest integrated pediatric health systems in the country, with more than 95 locations across four states
• Number of employees: 4,000+ in Delaware

*Incredible Health helps these hospitals find permanent nurses. Sign up to get matched with nursing jobs!

What makes a best hospital in Delaware?

Dedication to community, upholding high standards of ethics, and demonstrating respect for employees and patients alike are all part of what qualifies a Delaware hospital to be considered one of the best in the state. Investment in state-of-the-art technology and safety are also essential factors.

Benefits 

In the face of the national nursing shortage, many hospitals have reassessed the compensation they provide to their professional care teams. In order to attract and retain top talent, salaries have increased substantially and facilities are offering benefits that reflect thoughtfulness and creativity, as well as a recognition of the changing needs of today’s workforce. 

In addition to the standard offerings of paid time off and sick leave, organizations are offering the ability to use flexible scheduling, generous parental leave, reimbursements for gym memberships, and concierge services that manage tasks ranging from vacation planning and dry-cleaning service to scheduling auto repairs.

Growth opportunity

Providing staff with the ability and means to grow within their career is a sign of a hospital’s belief in their future with the organization. The best facilities not only encourage their registered nursing staff to explore becoming Nurse Practitioners or other APRN titles where they can earn significantly higher salaries, they also offer tuition reimbursement to help make it happen, and provide the time needed to pursue their studies.

Employee satisfaction

In the face of COVID-19 and the stress it placed on healthcare workers, the best hospitals are working overtime to improve employee job satisfaction. Studies have shown that in addition to boosting wages and benefits, this is most effectively done by revising staff scheduling, providing mental health support, ensuring that leadership is effective, and providing high quality equipment and resources.

High patient satisfaction

Illness, accidents, and treatment of various conditions are the reasons that people come to the hospital, but it is the way that care is provided that differentiates the hospitals that are considered the best at what they do. Hospital can encourage patient satisfaction in many ways, and happier patients result in nurses who are happier in their work.

Other factors that make a top hospital

Nursing staff and patient satisfaction are both important elements of a hospital’s environment, but there are other important factors required of top hospitals. An emphasis on patient safety and investment in top-of-the-line technology are essential, and so too is a dedication to high ethical standards and to serving the community.

Safety record is critical

When assessing the quality of care and attention to detail provided by any hospital, safety is inarguably a key factor. Studies have shown a concerning rise in both infections related to hospital stays and to injuries and illnesses suffered by staff. Hospitals need to constantly rededicate themselves to vigilance in both areas.

Hospital policies focus on customer services

Patients have options as to where they want to receive medical care, and that has driven hospitals to focus on policies that emphasize customer service. The result has been patient-centered improvements in scheduling, in the design of the physical plant of hospitals, and in the training that is provided to the hospital staff.

Latest technology and training improve healthcare

Medical breakthroughs are happening every day, and in many cases they are resulting in equipment and devices becoming outdated. Hospitals that prioritize constant re-assessment and reinvestment of everything from electronic records software to diagnostic equipment are the ones that rank highest for quality of care.

Ethics leads the way

Hospitals are more than places where patients go when they are sick. They play an important role in a community’s economic development. The best hospitals recognize their responsibility to the health and wellbeing of those in their geographic environment, and dedicate themselves to ethical delivery of care, as well as outreach to foster social health.

Next steps

If you’ve set the intention of finding a nursing job in Delaware, your next steps need to revolve around showing yourself off in the best possible light. Even in the midst of staff shortages and continuing nursing demand, competition for spots at the best hospitals is fierce.  Make sure that you’ve updated your resume, that your credentials are in order, and that you’re taking full advantage of all of the resources available to you.

Build your resume

Whether you’re finishing up nursing school and looking for your first job or have years of experience, you need to make sure that your resume is top-notch. Hiring managers rely on applicants to assemble their vital information in a way that is well organized, with headings that differentiate education, strengths, and experience so that it is easy to understand and assess. Make sure you don’t leave out the basics: your contact information should be right at the top.

Join a nurses’ association

When it comes to networking in Delaware, few resources that are more effective than the Delaware Nurses Association. Formed to support and advocate for the nursing profession, as well as for patients, the group provides assistance for career benefits and development, as well as valuable volunteering opportunities. Though there are pros and cons to joining a union, it is definitely worth considering.

---

---

Attend industry educational conferences and workshops

Educational conferences have value in every industry, but for nurses these professional conferences can be particularly helpful. Attendance provides access to continuing education units, an opportunity to reconnect and network with colleagues, and exposure to the latest research and skills that elevate patient care.

Keep up with continuing education requirements

Continuous learning has intrinsic value, but for nurses in Delaware it is also a requirement. The state requires 30 contact hours every two years for RNs and APRNs, and 24 for LPNs. To help you keep up with these goals, Incredible Health offers free, accredited CEI classes through its website, and then instantly delivers documentation as soon as the course is completed.

Search for job openings

The last several years have seen remarkable change in the way that nurses find and apply for new positions, but the availability of career pages on hospital websites and national job boards does not eliminate the need to submit information or the anxiety of waiting for a response.

At Incredible Health, we’ve turned the process around, allowing you to post a profile and your goals one time on our site and then sitting back while hospitals compete over you. It’s an innovation that reduces stress and minimizes the time required to connect.

Transfer your nursing license to Delaware

Delaware is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so registered nurses or license practical nurses that hold multistate licenses are able to continue practicing in the state, but if you change your primary residence to Delaware then you need to obtain a Delaware multistate license. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses that want to practice in Delaware must hold a Delaware-issued APRN license.

Top Delaware RN jobs on Incredible Health

Career Resources / Job Searching / Best Hospitals Montana

Montana is aptly described as “Big Sky Country.” The state is rich in natural beauty and resources, and sparse in terms of population: if you’re the kind of person who prefers big areas without a lot of people, this state with the third-lowest density in the country will be right for you.

Montana is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. It’s wide-open spaces serve as home to plenty of ranchers and farmers while providing those who work in less natural settings the opportunity for hiking, fishing, camping, and canoeing, as well as plenty of winter resorts for skiers and snowboarders.

Montana offers its residents excellent hospitals, including three that have been recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as Magnet Hospitals as a result of their dedication to nursing excellence and patient care. The state has several hospitals that U.S. News & World Report ranks as “High Performing” in specific conditions or areas of medicine and to which Healthgrades has bestowed a Specialty Excellence Award.

Best hospitals in Montana 

There are almost 70 hospitals in the state of Montana, ranging from rural community hospitals to members of large health systems. To choose the best among them we analyzed safety and patient outcome data from respected organizations like The Leapfrog Group and Medicare, Magnet Hospital status, assessments from notable publications and websites, and feedback from current and former staff members posted on sites including Glassdoor and Indeed.

---

---

Billings Clinic

The Billings Clinic dates back to 1911, when it got its start as a private practice. Today it is the state’s largest independent health care provider, offering primary and specialty care at its main site and at locations throughout the state, as well as in Wyoming and the Dakotas. A Magnet Hospital that earned a “B” rating from the safety organization The Leapfrog Group, the hospital has won multiple awards and was noted by U.S. News & World Report as rating high performing in one adult specialty and six procedures and conditions. The Billings Clinic is a teaching hospital that has formed a collaborative relationship with the Mayo Clinic.  They received the Women’s Choice Award for patient experience in several specialty areas, have been recognized as a Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction Center of Excellence, and won multiple awards from the American Heart Association.  Medicare noted an overall four-star rating for the hospital’s patient outcomes. 

Notable facts about the Billings Clinic include: 

• Independent, not-for-profit hospital and health system
• Located in Billings, Montana
• The Billings Clinic is an integrated multi-specialty group practice with a 304-bed hospital and Level II trauma center. 
• Number of employees: 4,700+

Intermountain Health/St. Vincent Healthcare

St. Vincent Healthcare is part of SCL Health, an eight-hospital network that is now part of Intermountain Health. The over-100-year-old hospital is a Magnet Hospital, accredited by the Joint Commission, and is one of Montana’s largest comprehensive hospitals. It received an “A” Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, received four-star ratings from Medicare, and has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as high performing in six adult procedures and conditions. Among the many awards that the facility has received are a Gold Certification from the Brandon Hall Group in recognition of Organizational Excellence; the Cigna Well-Being Award in recognition of their program supporting employees and their families; and Chime’s Most Wired award in recognition for its leadership in healthcare technology. 

Notable facts about Intermountain Health/St. Vincent Healthcare include: 

• Level II trauma hospital that is part of an integrated health care system
• Located in Billings, Montana
• Intermountain Health is part of SCL Health, a nonprofit faith-based health system with eight hospitals, more than 150 physician clinics, and home health, hospice, mental health and safety-net services primarily in Colorado and Montana
• Number of employees: 15,000 full-time employees across the system
• Number of nurses: 4,500+ across the system 

Providence St. Patrick Hospital

Providence St. Patrick is a Magnet Hospital that U.S. News & World Report rated the #1 hospital in the state of Montana and noted as high performing in one adult specialty and ten procedures and conditions. The hospital has received numerous awards, including the Healthgrades 2021 Outstanding Patient Experience Award that places it among the top 5 percent of hospitals nationwide for patient experience and being named as one of the nation’s top performing hospitals by Fortune and IBM Watson Health. The hospital received a five-star rating from Medicare for the quality of its overall performance and an “A” Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group. 

Notable facts about Providence St. Patrick Hospital include: 

• Level II trauma center
• Located in Missoula, Montana
• Part of Providence Health System
• Number of employees: 1,600+

What makes a best hospital in Montana?

To be recognized as one of Montana’s best hospitals, facilities need to be excellent employers and participants in their community as well as delivering outstanding healthcare. The best hospitals are guided by their values and work to let both their patients and their employees know how much they care by emphasizing safety and ethics and equipping them with the most innovative tools.

Benefits

To attract and keep the most talented nurses, hospitals have to show how much they value them. While a competitive salary is important, so too are the other benefits that make up the total compensation package. Health insurance, dental and prescription coverage, vision care, tuition reimbursement and paid time off are considered standard. Facilities are working to set themselves apart with more creative offerings including onsite childcare, yoga and wellness classes, a dedicated concierge who manages everything from dry cleaning to scheduling vacations. Staff members are also being offered referral bonuses for connecting their peers to available openings and being offered free onsite continuing education opportunities, more flexible work schedules, and leadership training.

Growth opportunity

A well-managed hospital knows that their staff will thrive when they are encouraged to grow. The best hospitals not only encourage professional development, they facilitate it by offering tuition reimbursement and the time needed to pursue additional education. Registered nurses who enroll in Masters programs to become Nurse Anesthetists or other APRN titles not only command higher salaries, they also make valuable contributions to the level of care that the facility provides.

Employee satisfaction

COVID-19 put incredible stress on hospitals, and particularly on their nursing staff. Though many responded to job fatigue by leaving nursing entirely, the best hospitals focused on providing support and assistance ranging from stress relieving activities and time off to redistribution of workloads and providing meals. These efforts significantly impact and elevate employee satisfaction.

High patient satisfaction

Studies show that patient happiness is directly correlated to low turnover in hospital staffing, and facilities with policies geared towards patient satisfaction are consistently ranked among the very best places to be treated and to work. By instituting measures geared towards encouraging patients to refer as well as to return, hospitals substantially boost their quality measures.

Other factors that make a top hospital

The hospitals that are recognized as the very best at what they do share certain essential traits. Each one offers innovative, state-of-the-art treatment, each has a robust community outreach program, and each has placed a special emphasis on keeping both patients and employees safe.

Safety record is critical

In response to disturbing reports of hospital patients dying of preventable infections and hospital staff suffering work-related illnesses and injuries, hospitals have renewed their emphasis on improving their safety record and achieving high marks from both government organizations and accreditation agencies like the Joint Commission.

Hospital policies focus on customer services

The best hospitals spend a significant amount of effort on consistently providing excellent customer service to their patients. By applying the time-tested process of institutionalizing actions that have proven popular and effective and studying where things have gone wrong in order to learn from them, they send a powerful message to those they care for, as well as to their workers.

Latest technology and training improve healthcare 

From telehealth to state-of-the-art surgical equipment, healthcare is constantly changing and improving. The best hospitals are those that are constantly on the lookout for the newest technology that both improves patient outcomes and increases their staff’s effectiveness. By offering nurses and others constant upgrades in their skills and training, hospitals send a clear message about their value and importance to the organization’s operations.

Ethics leads the way

High quality delivery of health care relies upon compassion, justice, and respect. Hospitals that uphold a high ethical standard emphasize integrity, dignity, justice, and moral courage by empowering their patients, communicating effectively, and collaborating.

Next steps

Though the national nursing shortage has kept registered nurses high on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ list of in-demand professionals, finding the role in Montana that’s right for you can still be a challenge. To optimize your chances of finding the job you want and being hired, take the time to prepare, update your resume, and make sure your documentation and credentials are all in order.

Build your resume

A resume is a snapshot of your skills, your strengths, and your credentials. It is the first thing that a hiring manager will review, so make sure the impression it creates is one of professionalism, organization, and competence. Your resume needs to be easy-to-read and well organized, offering a comprehensive summary of why you are the facility’s best candidate and an easy way to contact you for further conversation.

Join a nurses’ association 

Joining a union is a personal decision — it’s not right for everyone, but for those who opt in the organization can offer significant benefits. Reduced rates for certification exam fees and advocacy at the local, state, and national level is just the start of the advantages nurses can gain as members of the Montana Nurses Association.  For those seeking a job the group offers both the possibility of networking and a robust career center complete with job alerts and postings.

Attend industry educational conferences and workshops

Attending one (or more) of the dozens of professional nursing conferences hosted each year offers more than a chance for a change in scenery. Educational conferences and workshops expose nurses to new research and techniques that can improve their patient care. They provide networking opportunities and the chance to reconnect with old colleagues, as well as to earn valuable continuing education units.

Keep up with continuing education requirements

Registered nurses, LPNs, and APRNs in Montana are required to complete 24 continuing education contact hours every two years in order to maintain their state license. Incredible Health offers free, accredited CEU classes that are conveniently available online. Once you’ve completed each course, we provide instant documentation in support of Montana state requirements.

Search for job openings

Imagine that instead of you sending out applications, your search for a nursing position in the state of Montana involved reviewing the job offers that had been sent to you. That is exactly what happens when you use Incredible Health’s job search tool. All you need to do is sign up and create a profile that describes your credentials, as well as your location preference and goals. Your information will then get posted and potential employers will respond to you, competing with one another to bring you onboard. Our process has been proven to speed up hiring time.

Transfer your nursing license to Montana

Since October of 2015, the state of Montana has been part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This means that any nurse with an unencumbered license and residency in Montana became eligible for a multi-state license, and that nurses with a license from a primary state of residence in any other compact state can use their compact license to practice in Montana. For more information on License by Credentialing, click here.

---

---