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Career Resources / Job Searching / Best Hospitals New Mexico

Considering a move to New Mexico?  You’re not alone. U-Haul says that in the past year, the state moved up from 39^th to 10^th in the number of one-way trucks crossing the state border. Known as the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico is historically rich, culturally diverse, and one of the most beautiful states in the country. Nature lovers and hikers will find desert plains, forests, canyons, and mountains to explore, while the cities are filled with fascinating museums and architecture. The state is a mecca for those who love good food and wine, and the climate is generally dry, warm, and sunny, though there is some snow in the winter. Renters and home buyers will find prices are extremely affordable, and the state’s overall cost of living is lower than the national average. 

New Mexico’s Top Hospital

• Presbyterian Hospital
• Lovelace Health System
• Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center

Best hospitals in New Mexico

There are over 50 hospitals in New Mexico, ranging from those that serve as teaching institutions to those serving native communities and veterans. In choosing the best hospitals in the state, we relied upon rankings from U.S. News & World Report and health analytics organizations, as well as safety records from organizations like The Leapfrog Group and survey results collected by government agencies, including Medicare.

Presbyterian Hospital

In an evaluation that included the main hospital in Albuquerque as well as Presbyterian Rust Medical Center and Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital, Presbyterian Hospital was ranked the #1 hospital in the state by U.S. News and World Report, which also noted it as high performing in 8 adult procedures and conditions. The hospital has been recognized with numerous awards, including having been named one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades and being named one of the nation’s Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals by IBM Watson Health. The hospital has also received several awards for heart attack and stroke care, including the American College of Cardiology’s National Cardiovascular Data Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award and multiple American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline STEMI Gold Plus Receiving Quality Achievement Awards. The health system’s Presbyterian Espanola Hospital was awarded a four-star rating by Medicare.

Notable facts about Presbyterian Hospital include:

• Not-for-profit general medical and surgical facility
• Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Part of a private, not-for-profit health care system operating 8 hospitals throughout the state, as well as a health plan.
• Number of employees: 14,000+ across the system
• Number of nurses: 4,700 across the system

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Lovelace Health System

Lovelace Medical Center is part of Lovelace Health System. It has been providing health care to New Mexico residents for over 100 years. The hospital is ranked as high performing in two adult procedures and conditions by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to the downtown hospital, the system includes the state’s only hospital devoted exclusively to cardiovascular care, the state’s only hospital dedicated to women’s health, a rehabilitation hospital, and several other regional locations.  The system has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognition from respected organizations, including the Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center being named the 2022 Best Hospital in America by Money and the Leapfrog Group; receiving the American Heart Association “Get with the Guidelines” Award for Stroke Treatment; Lovelace Women’s Hospital being recognized for excellence in lactation care by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners and International Lactation Consultant Association; and Lovelace UNM Rehabilitation Hospital being named one of Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work in Healthcare 2022. Lovelace Regional Hospital received an “A” safety grade from The Leapfrog Group.

Notable facts about Lovelace Health System include:

• General medical and surgical facility
• Albuquerque, New Mexico
• For-profit hospital network
• Number of employees: 3,900 employees across the system 

Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center

Rated high performing in three adult procedures and conditions by U.S. News & World Report, Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center earned an “A” safety rating from The Leapfrog Group. The hospital is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, is accredited and received the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission, and has won awards including both the Healthgrades 2021 Stroke Care Excellence Award and the Healthgrades 2021 Patient Safety Excellence Award.

Notable facts about Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center include: 

• Private, not-for-profit general medical and surgical hospital, only level III trauma center in North New Mexico
• Located in Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Operates under a 50/50 partnership with the CHRISTUS Health network of Catholic hospitals and local community health impact organization, Anchorum St. Vincent
• Number of employees: 2,200

What makes a best hospital in New Mexico?

The best hospitals provide the highest quality care to their patients, but they also support their employees and the community at large. They are good citizens that engage in philanthropy and work to advance health equity. They invest in their staff’s wellbeing, as well as in state-of-the-art technology to facilitate innovative medical treatment and improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Benefits

Nursing is a career that has remarkable intrinsic value, but it also is hard work deserving of generous compensation. The best hospitals recognize the contributions of their staff and reward them with benefits beyond the traditional offerings of paid time off and health care. In support of the needs of their workforce, hospitals are expanding their pay packages to include signing bonuses, flexible schedules, generous parental leave policies, onsite childcare, tuition reimbursement, and concierge services that free employees to focus on patient care.

Growth opportunity

No matter the role you currently fill, there’s a good chance that you’d like to grow in the field and move on to a position with greater responsibility and earning capacity. Hospitals that recognize the benefits of a forward-thinking workforce will both encourage them to pursue advanced education and facilitate that pursuit through tuition reimbursement and scheduling flexibility that allows them to study. Registered Nurses who study to become Nurse Practitioners elevate the institution’s ability to provide high level care.

Employee satisfaction

While COVID-19 led to significant distress and job fatigue for nurses, studies have shown that a poor work environment plays an even more important role in employee dissatisfaction. Facilities that provide their staff with emotional support, flexible schedules, and strong organizational leadership inspire loyalty, and are among the most desirable places to work.

High patient satisfaction

The best hospitals are constantly working to improve the quality of the care that they deliver and measure it by more than patient outcomes: They take the time to ask their patients to fill out surveys that gauge overall satisfaction. Facilities that emphasize patient-centric care self-correct mistakes and elevate both the treatment that is delivered and the work environment of their staff.

Other factors that make a top hospital

There are countless variables that contribute to a hospital’s quality and standing. Cleanliness and safety. Ethics and community outreach. Empathy for staff and patient concerns, as well as investment in infrastructure. All of these add up to excellence.

Safety record is critical

Revelations about unacceptably high rates of hospital-related infections have led to significant improvements and efforts geared towards improving safety records. Hospitals that demonstrate a continuous commitment to infection control and reducing the number of accidents involving both patients and employees have better patient outcomes and inspire greater confidence in their staff members.

Hospital policies focus on customer services

Historically, it was the norm for hospital staff to approach patient care in a way that failed to include patients and their families or loved ones, but there has been a sea change in hospital policies, with those that receive the highest marks for patient satisfaction placing significant focus on customer service and patient-centric care.

Latest technology and training improve healthcare

Patients and staff alike derive significant benefit when hospitals invest in innovations that improve their clinical abilities. From diagnostic equipment to devices that facilitate the use of state-of-the-art procedures, patients are more likely to choose a hospital perceived as being on the cutting edge of care, and staff are eager to learn the skills that go along with use of these technologies.

Ethics leads the way

Hospitals engage in life and death decisions every day, so it is essential for them to be guided by strong moral and ethical principles. This requires more than knowledge of and compliance with regulations. The best hospitals are constantly updating and reviewing their policies to ensure that they are keeping up with social norms, new technologies and capabilities, and community concerns.

Next steps

Identifying where you want to work is just the first step in your journey. If your goal is to work at one of the best hospitals in New Mexico, it’s going to take preparation, organization, and dedication. Even in the face of a national nursing shortage, nurses need to prove themselves in order to get the job of their dreams. Be thoughtful in crafting your resume and lay the necessary groundwork to prove that you’re ready and excited about moving forward.

Build your resume

A resume is far more than a laundry list of your qualifications. It’s a way to shine a spotlight on your strengths and what you’ll add to an organization. When you’re putting your resume together, be sure to include all of your accomplishments and any awards or recognitions that you’ve received, as well as improvements that you’ve made to patient care or processes in the years that you’ve worked. Employers want to know that you are a good match for their facility, so tailor your goals and work experience descriptions to the position for which you’re applying.

Join a nurses’ association

People have differing opinions about joining a union, but when you’re looking for a job, membership can provide significant advantages. The New Mexico Nurses Association is a powerful and active advocacy group that lobbies for nurses’ education and professional advancement.  Membership provides the ability to network with colleagues who may be aware of open positions, or who can connect you directly with hiring managers.

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Attend industry educational conferences and workshops

Attending professional and educational nursing conferences offers multiple benefits and advantages. In addition to the boost in your knowledge and the ability to earn continuing education units, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your professional network and connect with people who may be able to help you move ahead in your career.

Keep up with continuing education requirements

The state of New Mexico has rigorous continuing education requirements for nurses working in the state.  To help you keep up and demonstrate your interest in keeping your credentials up-to-date, Incredible Health offers free, accredited CEU classes that you can take online and then immediately access certificates to prove that you’ve completed the course.

Search for job openings

No matter how alluring a new job sounds, it’s also an intimidating process. There’s fear of the unknown, as well as the perpetual problem of finding the time to search for openings and send in applications. Incredible Health has taken most of the challenges away with our unique recruitment tool. Once you sign up and create a profile, our team will get in touch to get insights into your search, then post your job for employers with openings to discover. You’ll have facilities competing over you, and get hired fast.

Transfer your nursing license to New Mexico

New Mexico’s Board of Nursing joined the Nurse Licensure Compact in 2018, and since that time New Mexico-licensed nurses have been able to practice across state lines in other compact states. If you are a licensed RN coming to New Mexico from a non-compact state you can apply for RN/LPN endorsement.

 

Career Resources / Job Searching / Best Hospitals Kansas

In 1939, MGM’s The Wizard of Oz featured the line, “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore,” establishing the state as the epitome of all that is familiar and safe. Known for being home to the geographic center of the contiguous United States, there are many reasons to move to Kansas, including a low cost of living, access to both cultural attractions and the peace of rural life, a strong job market, and an infrastructure that U.S. News & World Report ranks 7^th in the country. The state boasts excellent hospitals, including three that are highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report and which are among the 591 hospitals recognized as a Magnet Hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a result of their dedication to nursing excellence and patient. Care. There are also 18 hospitals that have been recognized for Specialty Excellence Awards by Healthgrades.com.

Kansas’s Top Hospital

• AdventHealth Shawnee Mission
• Stormont Vail Health
• University of Kansas Health System

Best hospitals in Kansas

Choosing the best from among the 123 community hospitals in the state was no easy task. In order to do so we relied upon objective quality criteria. We restricted our list to those facilities that had distinguished themselves as Magnet Hospitals and used the U.S. News & World Reports’ list of best hospitals in the United States as additional guidance. We also relied upon ratings from respected safety organizations like The Leapfrog Group, accreditation by the Joint Commission, patient outcome ratings from federal health agencies, and comments posted on nationally-recognized employment sites by current and former staf members.

AdventHealth Shawnee Mission

Designated a Magnet Hospital in 2019, AdventHealth Shawnee Mission was recently recognized as the fourth best large community hospital in the U.S. by the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals. It was rated high performing in eight adult procedures and conditions by U.S. News & World Report and was one of only six hospitals in Kansas to earn five stars from Medicare’s Quality Ratings. The hospital was also awarded an “A” grade by The Leapfrog Group for its commitment to keeping patients safe. The hospital was also awarded a Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Award by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment.

Notable facts about AdventHealth Shawnee Mission include:

• Private, nonprofit hospital
• Located in Merriam, Kansas
• Part of AdventHealth, a health care organization headquartered in Altamonte Springs, Florida, which in turn is owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Protestant religious denomination
• Number of employees: 4,000 across the Kansas network

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Stormont Vail Health

Ranked the #2 hospital in Kansas and recognized as high performing in 3 adult specialties and 10 procedures and conditions by U.S. News & World Report, Stormont Vail Health is also a Magnet Hospital. Among the hospital’s many awards and recognitions, it received three-star ratings from Medicare in both patient surveys and for overall performance, and its spine surgery program was designated a Blue Distinction® Center Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. Additionally, the hospital’s Cotton O’Neil Heart Center received the 2020 Chest Pain – MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award from the American College of Cardiology.

Notable facts about Stormont Vail Health include:

• Nonprofit hospital and integrated health care system
• Located in Topeka, Kansas
• Health care system consists of the medical center, satellite offices and clinics, and the Baker School of Nursing,
• Number of employees: 5,455 employees across the system

University of Kansas Health System

Consistently awarded Magnet Hospital status and ranked the #1 hospital in both Kansas and Kansas City by U.S. News & World Report, the University of Kansas Health System is also nationally ranked in 7 adult specialties rated high performing in three, as well as in 16 procedures and conditions. The hospital has received numerous accolades and recognitions including being accredited by the Joint Commission and receiving the Press Ganey Pinnacle of Excellence Award, which recognizes extraordinary achievements of top performing healthcare organizations. The University of Kansas Health System was included in Becker’s Hospital Review’s listing of 100 Great Hospitals in America and was recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC).

Notable facts about the University of Kansas Health System include:

• Nonprofit academic medical center
• Located in Kansas City, Kansas
• The health system includes facilities in the Kansas City area, as well as hospital and clinic locations in Great Bend, Hays, Larned, and Topeka, Kansas.
• Number of employees: 14,000+ systemwide

What makes a best hospital in Kansas?

Delivering high quality patient outcomes is just part of what makes a Kansas hospital one of the best. Hospitals also need to demonstrate their commitment to staff wellbeing and to strive for constant improvement in safety. They need to uphold high ethical standards and to doing good in a way that leads to them being viewed as integral members of their community.

Benefits

Beyond the salaries they pay, hospitals have many ways to let their nurses know how much they value them. There are additional earning opportunities including overtime and supplemental income, and many hospitals go beyond offering traditional benefits like healthcare and paid time off. Hospitals provide employees with education allowances, liability insurance, and reimbursement for certification fees, pay signing and referral bonuses, offer wellness programs, gym memberships, and leadership training, and even host onsite degree programs. Others work to improve work/life balance by offering flexible schedules that meet individual needs, while still others have luxury perks including free concierge services that can set up dinner reservations, facilitate auto repairs, take care of receiving and mailing packages, and even offering dry cleaning and laundry services.   

Growth opportunity

Hospitals that are truly commited to the quality of care, competence, and skill of their nurses encourages personal and professional development. The best of these accommodate the needs of nurses advancing their educations to become Nurse Anesthetists or to prepare for other Advanced Practice Registered Nurse positions that pay higher salaries and offer greater professional fulfillment.

Employee satisfaction

The last few years have seen numerous nurses opting out of their profession as the stress created by the global pandemic exacerbated already-high levels of job fatigue and burnout. The best hospitals work to counter these and other stressors by building staff resilience and reducing chaos.

High patient satisfaction

Beyond the clinical case for hospitals to make high patient satisfaction a priority, there is also significant evidence that working to measure and improve patients’ experience with care also provides increased value to staff. When patients and their families are happier, nusing staff turnover is significantly reduced.

Other factors that make a top hospital

Patients and staff alike recognize that there are several additional elements that make a facility into a top hospital. The availability of specialized treatment centers, conveniently located clinics, a commitment to the community, and dedication to eliminating accidents and errors are all essential factors.

Safety record is critical

The Institute of Medicine reports that medical errors result in the death of between 44,000 and 98,000 patients each year. At the same time, health care workers experience exceedingly high rates of nonfatal occupational illness and injury. The best hospitals work to improve safety for both their patients and their employees.  

Hospital policies focus on customer services

Though providing positive patient outcomes are the primary goal of every hospital, the best hospitals work to accomplish this while at the same time providing patients with high levels of satisfaction and a sense of having been treated well. Hospitals that recognize the vulnerability and needs of their patients and who incorporate it into their staff training and protocols consistently rank among the best.

Latest technology and training improve healthcare

Improvements in technology have made significant changes in the delivery of healthcare and have made life better for patients and hospital staff alike. The best hospitals have incorporated innovative treatments and have trained their staff in the use of the latest research and communications tools to improve connections with patients, as well as the care that they provide.

Ethics leads the way

Hospitals face a rapidly changing environment. As social mores shift and regulations are updated, patients rely upon healthcare practitioners and administrators to remain steady and true to their founding missions. The best hospitals are constantly mindful of their values and demonstrating a consistent commitment to long-standing ethics.

Next steps

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics indicates that the high demand for registered nurses will continue, but landing a job at one of the best hospitals in Kansas is competitive. To optimize your chances of getting the position you want, make sure that you are well prepared and organized. By carefully documenting all of the attributes that make you a desirable candidate you will increase your chances of being hired quickly.

Build your resume

Your resume is a hiring manager’s first glimpse of who you are and the value that you will add to their organization, so make sure that it is organized, easy to read, and complete. Resumes that impress will be optimized for keywords, formatted in a way that uses eye-catching headings, and clearly states your qualifications and goals, as well as how best to contact you.

Join a nurses’ association

Are you a member of a nurses’ union? Though these powerful organizations are not the right choice for everybody, they can be particularly helpful when you’re trying to land a job. The Kansas State Nurses Association hosts invaluable events at which you can network and meet other Kansas nurses, hear more about the different hospitals in the state, earn continuing education units, and learn about available openings.

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Attend industry educational conferences and workshops

There are plenty of good reasons for attending professional nursing conferences, and that’s especially true if you’re in the midst of a job search. Not only can you add to your credentials and knowledge, they also offer the opportunity to meet with colleagues and learn more about available opportunities at the hospitals to which you’re considering applying.

Keep up with continuing education requirements

In Kansas, Registered Nurses, APRNs, and LPNs are all required to complete 30 contract hours every two years. If you are a Kansas-licensed nurse, Incredible Health makes keeping up-to-date on these requirements easy by providing free nursing CEUs as well as instant certificates upon completion of the coursework.

Search for job openings

No matter your qualifications, looking for a new job can be incredibly frustrating. Searching job sites and hospital career pages is time consuming, especially in the face of work and family responsibilities. Instead of all that effort, imagine receiving offers for the specific jobs and hospitals you’re most interested in. That’s what Incredible Health’s innovative recruitment tool provides. Just create an online profile of your experience, education, and other credentials and once it’s posted on the site, hospitals will respond to you with offers.  

Transfer your nursing license to Kansas

Effective July 1^st of 2019, the state of Kansas became a Nursing Licensure Compact state. This means that nurses who are licensed in Kansas can apply to convert from single state licenses to multi-state licenses. Once they have established residency, those nurses who have never been licensed in Kansas and who have moved to the state can practice in Kansas with their former multi-state license until their Kansas multi-state license is issued.

Top Kansas RN jobs on Incredible Health

Nursing Degrees & Schools / RN to DNP

Going from a registered nurse to a doctor of nursing practice (the RN to DNP path) means you will be pursuing one of the two highest degrees a nurse can earn. The DNP degree emphasizes direct patient care, unlike the Ph.D. in nursing which focuses on research. Having a DNP degree can also lead to becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).

The career outlook for nurses with this education is promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is an estimated growth of 40% from 2021 to 2031. Some educational programs have created opportunities for registered nurses without an advanced degree to earn a doctorate in one comprehensive program to match this growing demand. 

Through the RN to DNP program, the registered nurse can leapfrog the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees. This route puts a registered nurse in a great position to make a further difference to patients and organizations. 

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Why Should I Pursue an RN to DNP Degree?

There are several benefits to pursuing the RN to DNP degree path. 

• You have the unique opportunity to become a nurse leader and might direct a team of nurses who provide patient care. 
• You can influence people on a broader scale as an APRN. You can also influence policy within a care facility.
• You have the capacity to mentor nurses. This provides an opportunity to give back and establish meaningful relationships with other nurses. 
• You learn and continue to work more deeply in your chosen specialty and niche.
• You can increase your earning potential. The median annual wage for RNs was $82,750 but the median wage for APRNs was $123,780 as of May 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Prerequisites for RN to DNP Online Programs

The baseline requirement for entering an RN to DNP program is being a registered nurse. Different programs will have their own criteria, which could include:

• Minimum of 1 or 2 years of practical experience as an RN
• Letters of recommendation
• Your CV or resume
• An in-person or telephone interview
• A 3.0 grade point average
• A declaration of professional goals
• A specific minimum score on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

What Kinds of Classes Does a DNP Student Take? 

Though each student will take different classes depending on their chosen specialty, each RN to DNP program requires at least 500 clinical hours. Students have the option of choosing degree tracks within their program. For example, you can take a more clinical-based program or an executive-level program. Each program will have different classes and curricula.

In general, it takes about 3-6 years full-time or 6+ years part-time to complete the program. There’s also the potential to earn an MSN degree before taking DNP courses or you might be awarded an MSN and DNP after graduation.

What Are Some of the Top RN to DNP Programs?

According to US News, the top five universities are:

1. Johns Hopkins University – A private school in Baltimore, MD, with an application deadline of Jan. 1 and an application fee of $75 for US residents.
2. Duke University – A private school in Durham, NC, with an application deadline of Dec. 1 and an application fee of $50 for US residents.
3. Rush University – A private school in Chicago, IL, with an application deadline of Jan. 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 Jan. 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 Jan. 20 and an application fee of $75 for US residents.

How Do I Choose the Right RN to DNP Program?

Figuring out what type of Rn to DNP program works best for you takes introspection. Below are some things to keep in mind when you are deciding.

Research interests:

• What specialties are you interested in studying?
• Does this specific school match your interests and can cater to your needs?

Long-term goals:

• What capacity do you want to work in?
• Do you want to pursue clinical-based nursing, nursing education, or management work?

Preferred setting:

• Does the program offer an online component?
• Are you able to attend a hybrid class (online/in-person) if necessary?

How Do I Pay for an RN to DNP Program?

Once you figure out what school to attend, it’s time to decide how to pay for school. Doctoral programs are expensive, which is why scholarships and financial aid are readily available. The first step is taking an inventory of your finances. Do you need government assistance?

To determine eligibility, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Schools use this tool to determine eligibility for need-based grants, scholarships, and student loans. If you’re nervous about taking out student loans, some programs offer student loan forgiveness following graduation.

Are you ready for an RN to DNP degree?

Only you can answer this question. But rest assured there are plenty of great jobs available for qualified nurses who pursue a DNP degree. Check out more resources to help you on your nursing journey today.

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Career Resources / Job Searching / Best Hospitals Illinois

Whether you’re looking for big city living or wide open spaces, you can’t go wrong with choosing to work and live in Illinois. The state has towering skyscrapers and sprawling farmland, access to the world through one of the world’s busiest airports. U.S. News & World Report ranked four different Illinois cities among the best places to live in the United States based on affordability and clean air, and to top all of that, the state has some of the country’s best hospitals, including several that are nationally ranked on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Hospitals, and there are 14 Illinois hospitals listed on Healthgrades’ list of 250 best in the nation.

Forty one of the 589 hospitals recognized as a Magnet Hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center are found in Illinois. This highly prized designation recognizes facilities that distinguished themselves by their dedication to high standards of patient care and by their dedication to nursing excellence.

Illinois’s Top Hospital

• Northwestern Memorial Hospital
• Rush University Medical Center
• Advocate Christ Medical Center
• Loyola University Medical Center
• University of Chicago Medical Center

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Best hospitals in Illinois

There are many excellent hospitals in Illinois, and choosing the best required establishing criteria that would best represent the interests of nurses looking for the very best places to work. While every hospital on our list has achieved magnet status, we narrowed our selection by identifying those that had also been nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Reports and who had received high marks for safety and patient outcomes from federal agencies and other respected organizations like The Leapfrog Group. We also reviewed feedback from current and past employees on national employment sites including Glassdoor and Indeed. 

Northwestern Memorial Hospital *

Ranked #10 on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals Honor Roll, Magnet Hospital Northwestern Memorial Hospital was nationally ranked in ten adult specialties and rated high performing in one adult specialty and 17 procedures and conditions. Its patient-forward focus led to it  being one of the first hospitals in the country to dedicate private rooms to all patients, for which it received the 2016 Legacy Project Award from the American College of Healthcare Architects. Among the other awards the hospital has received are a 5-star overall rating and 4-star patient survey rating from Medicare, an award for leadership in LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) healthcare by the Human Rights Campaign Healthcare Equality Index, and CHIME’s Most Wired – Quality Award, which recognizes hospitals demonstrating best practices through their adoption, implementation and use of information technology.

Notable facts about Northwestern Memorial Hospital include:

• Nonprofit academic medical center
• Located in Chicago, Illinois
• Flagship campus for Northwestern Medicine and primary teaching hospital for the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. Affiliated institutions include the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, a leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation
• Number of employees: 33,700 system wide 

Rush University Medical Center

Ranked 19th on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals Honor Roll, Rush University Medical Center is a Magnet Hospital that is also nationally ranked in nine adult specialties and rated high performing in one adult specialty and 14 procedures and conditions. This general medical and surgical facility is also a teaching hospital that has consistently been recognized for its outstanding patient care, education, research, and community partnerships. The hospital received an “A” Hospital Safety Score from The Leapfrog Group, a 5-star overall rating and 4-star patient survey rating from Medicare, and among its many recognitions and awards it ranked #2 on health care performance improvement company Vizient’s quality care list and was named an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader in the 2022 Healthcare Equality Index.

Notable facts about Rush University Medical Center include:

• Nonprofit academic medical center
• Located in Chicago, Illinois
• Flagship hospital for the Rush University System for Health, which includes Rush Oak Park Hospital and Rush Copley Medical Center
• Number of employees: Nearly 10,000 employees 

Advocate Christ Medical Center

In addition to being awarded Magnet Hospital status, Advocate Christ Medical Center was ranked the 4^th best hospital in the state by U.S. New & World Report, with national ranking in two adult specialties and one pediatric specialty and rated high performing in eight adult specialties and 14 procedures and conditions.  The hospital has received many accolades, including being listed among Becker’s Hospital Review’s 100 Great Hospitals in America and100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Heart programs. Advocate Christ Medical Center is also the recipient of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines^®-Stroke GOLD PLUS Quality Achievement Award and its Target: Stroke™ Elite Honor Roll Award for three consecutive years. 

Notable facts about the Advocate Christ Medical Cener include:

• Faith-based, non-profit health system
• Located in Oak Lawn, Illinois
• Part of Advocate Aurora Health, a system made up of ten hospitals, 400 sites, and two kids’ campuses.
• Number of employees: 35,000 systemwide
• Number of nurses: 10,000 systemwide

Loyola University Medical Center

Loyola University Medical Center is a quaternary care facility that includes a Level I Trauma Center, a nationally recognized burn center, a renowned transplant center, and a special 20-bed unit for patients undergoing stem cell transplant. An AACN Magnet Hospital, its high quality care has also been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as nationally ranked in 3 adult specialties and high performing in six adult specialties and 11 procedures and conditions. Its campus includes the Ronal McDonald Children’s Hospital. Among its many awards and recognitions, the facility was named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s list of “100 Great Hospitals in America”. It was named a “Most Wired” Hospital by Hospitals & Health Networks magazine and appeared among Newsweek Magazine’s World’s Best Hospitals 2021.

Notable facts about Loyola University Medical Center include:

• Private academic hospital
• Located in Chicago, Illinois
• Part of the Loyola University Health System, a quaternary-care system including the Loyola University Medical Center, the Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, the Loyola Outpatient Center, he Center for Heart & Vascular Medicine and Loyola Oral Health Center as well as the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Center for Translational Research and Education, and the Loyola Center for Fitness
• Number of employees: 2,982

University of Chicago Medical Center

The University of Chicago Medical Center is a general medical and surgical facility as well as a teaching hospital. It has been nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report in six adult specialties and four pediatric specialties and rated high performing in four adult specialties and 12 procedures and conditions. The Magnet Hospital received an “A” Safety grade from The Leapfrog Group and a 3-star rating for overall performance and on patient review surveys according to Medicare and has received recognition and awards from several highly respected organizations, including being fully accredited by the Joint Commission; receiving the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines^®-Stroke GOLD PLUS Quality Achievement Award and its Target: Stroke™ Elite Honor Roll Award; being recognized as an LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation; and being designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Specialty Care by Blue Cross and Blue Shield in several categories.

Notable facts about University of Chicago Medical Center include:

• Not-for-profit academic medical center
• Located in Chicago, Illinois
• Flagship campus for the University of Chicago Medicine system and teaching hospital for Pritzker School of Medicine
• Number of employees: 9,406 system wide
• Number of nurses employed: 2,491 registered nurses 
  
  *Incredible Health helps these hospitals find permanent nurses. Sign up to get matched with nursing jobs!

What makes a Best Hospital in Illinois?

The best hospitals in Illinois share several key characteristics. In addition to being dedicated to the care and healing of patients, they are also academic and research institutions that work to advance and improve medical knowledge and treatments. They are leaders in their communities that treat their staff with respect and make their work environment a welcoming and supportive place.

Benefits

The best hospitals understand that their most valuable asset is the people that work for them and care for their patients. They know that what makes them great is having great people, and the offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain top talent. Though every facility is different, highly desirable benefits include on-site childcare, vouchers for travel, free parking, tuition reimbursement, laundry services, and housecleaning services, as well as the more typical healthcare coverage, dental care, life insurance, disability insurance, vacation and personal time off, and sick leave.

Growth opportunity

The ambition and drive that motivates a nurse to apply for a job at one of Illinois’ best hospitals doesn’t go away once they are hired. That’s why it is important for nurses to have the opportunity to continue learning, growing, and advancing in their career. Employers who recognize and respond to this need offer opportunities for Registered Nurses to attend school so that they can pursue positions with greater responsibilities and independence, as well as higher salaries.

Employee satisfaction

Employee satisfaction is what makes the difference between looking forward to the day’s work and dreading it. The stress and nurse fatigue that was created by the COVID-19 pandemic has continued in some facilities, but hospitals that value their staff members work hard to provide support and wellness programming.

High patient satisfaction

The best hospitals are constantly striving to improve the care that they provide, and to gauge their progress they check back with patients. The feedback that they receive is drawn from surveys, but also by the face-to-face comments that staff members receive in response to compassionate care. Nurses who work in facilities with high levels of patient satisfaction are more fulfilled and happier in their work. 

Other factors that make a top hospital

A hospital can set itself apart in many ways, but healing is always at the center of its mission. A comprehensive approach includes dedication to safety protocols, upholding ethical standards, and working towards the health of the community.

Safety record is critical

A hospital’s safety record encompasses the efforts it makes to reduce patient injuries and infections as well as the protocols that protect its employees from injury. The best hospitals pay attention to both.

Hospital policies focus on customer services

Hospitals that pay attention to both patient experience and patient satisfaction understand that they have an obligation to treat those they care or – and their families and loved ones – as customers. Working to improve healthcare delivery in a way that goes beyond medical treatment is an indication of a hospital that is striving to be the very best.

Latest technology and training improve healthcare

Many of the hospitals that are included on our list have received awards for their adoption of innovative technology. Hospitals that invest in the most up-to-date equipment and who spend the time to train their staff in their use put themselves ahead of the curve and provide their employees with skills that increase their value and knowledge.

Ethics leads the way

Social issues and inequities permeate all aspects of our culture, and are deeply felt within healthcare. Hospitals that operate with integrity and who are true to their mission statement serve as role models and leaders within their communities and their industry.

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Next steps

Despite the existence of a national nursing shortage and an anticipated 9% growth in the need for nurses over the next ten years, being hired by one of the top hospitals in Illinois requires demonstrated experience, skills, and effort. To help you optimize your chances of landing the job that you want, we’ve provided several helpful hints:

Build your resume

No matter how much nursing experience you have and no matter how confident you are in your skills, sitting down and putting it all into a resume is a challenge. To help, we’ve provided resume templates that you can use as a starting point. Be sure to keep things organized, use professional language, and where appropriate, match your strengths and job experience as closely as possible to the job description posted for the position that you seek.

Join a nurses’ association

Not everybody wants to join a union, but when considering the pros and cons, be mindful of the networking opportunities that joining one can provide. In Illinois, the Illinois Nurses Association fights for nurses’ rights, offers continuing education opportunities, and maintaining an up-to-date resource for career opportunities.

Attend industry educational conferences and workshops

Professional nursing conferences offer more than just a change of scenery. Attending these gatherings introduces you to new colleagues, exposes you to new research, and offers the opportunity to earn continuing education credits that help you keep your licensure current. They are also a great way to chat with other nurses about openings they may know about long before they’ve been posted.

Keep up with continuing education requirements

Illinois requires Registered Nurses to complete 20 contact hours of continuing education every two years, and for APRNs the requirement is 50 contact hours. To help you keep your Illinois nursing license current, Incredible Health offers an easy way to complete free accredited Illinois CEU courses that can be quickly completed. We then provide instant certificates for submission.

Search for job openings

Today’s job application process is completely different from what existed as recently as fifteen years ago. Where hard copies of resumes were once sent by mail to human resources departments, today’s openings are posted on job boards and hospital websites for applicants to submit their resumes. Incredible Health has created an innovative recruitment tool that improves the process even further, allowing you to create an online profile that details your qualifications and inviting hospitals to reach out to you. You’ll get multiple offers in a matter of days!

Transfer your nursing license to Illinois

The state of Illinois is currently considering joining the Nursing Licensure Compact. If adopted, the measure would make it easier and less expensive for nurses to provide telehealth services across state lines, as well as to practice in states other than where their original license was granted. Until the measure is approved, nurses with licenses that were issued by another state will need to fill out the appropriate forms.  

Nurse Types / Clinical Nurse Leader

Working as a nurse can be a gratifying career. For many nurses, their love of the profession translates into the next logical step: becoming a clinical nurse leader. 

The potential to affect the profession, care for patients, and support other nurses at the leadership level is a great goal to aspire to.

But what does it take to be a clinical nurse leader? Understanding what path to take doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’ve prepared this guide to help you become a clinical nurse leader in 3 steps. We’ll cover these topics:

• What is a clinical nurse leader?
• What do clinical nurse leaders do?
• Where do clinical nurse leaders work?
• What are closely related fields?
• How do you become a clinical nurse leader in 3 steps?
• What are additional requirements of clinical nurse leaders?
• What are the salary and career outlooks of clinical nurse leaders?

What is a clinical nurse leader?

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) established the role of clinical nurse leader (CNL) in 2004. 

It describes a clinical nurse leader as a master’s level nurse who is responsible for coordinating and providing care for a group of patients. This advanced, evidence-based care is designed to improve the quality of patient care outcomes.

This specially trained nurse works together with the entire healthcare team to ensure patients are getting the right care. They are also a resource for the rest of the nursing team.

It’s important to note that a clinical nurse leader is not a manager or supervisor of other nurses. Instead, they lead by guiding the clinical care of their patient cohort.

Qualities of a successful clinical nurse leader

Are you wondering if you have qualities that would make you a good clinical nurse leader? To be a successful, you need to:

• Have great critical thinking skills
• Believe in a high safety standard
• Possess excellent communication skills
• Be open to change
• Own your decisions
• Be able to motivate others
• Have excellent interpersonal skills

What do clinical nurse leaders do?

A clinical nurse leader holds a high level of responsibility in their role. They use the skills discussed above to meet these demands. As a clinical nurse leader, you can expect to:

• Make decisions about changing care plans if needed
• Work with the rest of the healthcare team to coordinate care for a group of patients
• Focus on assessing and reducing risk for patients
• Use evidence-based practice and new technology with patients’ treatment goals
• Mentor other nurses in best practices and patient care
• Maintain safety standards for patients and a healthy workplace
• Develop and maintain quality improvement initiatives

A day in the life of a clinical nurse leader

As you can imagine, this level of responsibility and skill makes for a busy workday! To envision what a day in the life of a clinical nurse leader looks like, consider the following potential routine:

• Begin shift by reviewing each patient’s chart for changes during the previous shift
• Meet with the nurses assigned to the patients in the CNL’s group, to discuss the plan of care and improvements to treatment
• Round on patients to assess their care needs and personal goals
• Educate patients and families when necessary
• Assist bedside nurses with patient care as needed
• Collaborate with the healthcare team to meet patients’ needs, ensuring PT, OT, and other services where appropriate
• Answer questions from nursing staff about resources for patients

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Common conditions treated by clinical nurse leaders

Being a clinical nurse leader covers a broad scope of patients and conditions. A clinical nurse leader can expect to see many common conditions. They may treat:

• Renal disease
• Cardiac disease
• Cancer
• Orthopedic cases
• Diabetes
• Behavioral and mental health problems
• Alzheimer’s disease/dementia
• Post-surgical cases
• Traumatic injuries

Where do clinical nurse leaders work?

The AACN specifies that the clinical nurse leader should be prepared to practice in any healthcare setting. This means you can expect to see clinical nurse leaders working in:

• Hospitals
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Outpatient clinics
• Cancer centers
• Mental health facilities

What are closely related fields? 

The leadership skills and responsibility associated with a clinical nurse leader are seen in some closely related nursing fields as well. In all of these specialties, the common denominator is being prepared at the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) level at a minimum:

• Clinical nurse manager
• Director of nursing
• Chief nursing officer
• Healthcare administrator
• Clinical nurse educator

The AACN also notes that the initiatives that drive the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, although separate from the CNL, are closely related and complementary.

How do you become a clinical nurse leader in 3 steps?

What is the best career path to achieve the goal of becoming a clinical nurse leader? By following the 3 steps discussed below, it’s a goal that’s easily within your reach.

Step 1 – Become a registered nurse

If you aren’t already a registered nurse, this is the first step to take. Reaching the level of clinical nurse leader requires that you are able to work as a licensed provider in a nursing role.

Earn an MSN 

It’s advisable to begin with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree if you’re just starting out as a registered nurse. The AACN notes that ideally, 80% of nurses should be BSN-prepared. This step will also move you closer to a role as a clinical nurse leader since they must advance to an MSN degree level.

In addition to enrolling in a BSN program at the beginning of your college career, you can also take these approaches:

• RN to BSN– if you already have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), you can use credits earned to advance to the BSN level more quickly.
• ABSN– an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) allows you to use credits to earn a BSN more quickly if you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field.

Clinical nurse leaders must hold a master’s degree in nursing, so you’ll need to be sure to choose an eligible CNL program to complete your degree pathway. There are a couple of ways to do this: 

• BSN-MSN program if you’ve completed your BSN
• RN-MSN program if you’re an ADN nurse

Pass the NCLEX exam

Earning a BSN prepares you to sit for the NCLEX exam, which is required by all state boards of nursing to earn your license as a registered nurse. This rigorous exam known as “nursing boards” proves you have the knowledge needed to enter safe nursing practice.

Step 2 – Accumulate experience

Clinical nurse leaders must be confident in their skills and knowledge, and part of that comes with accumulating experience in the nursing field. You may also want to explore different nursing specialties to learn what area you would like to focus on as a clinical nurse leader.

Helpful skills and experience

Because a clinical nurse leader must have an overview of best nursing practices to effectively do their job, there are a few areas that it’s helpful to have skills and experience in that include:

• Participating in quality initiatives in patient care
• Evaluating patient outcomes
• Analyzing trends in labs and vital signs
• Understanding evidence-based practice
• Mentoring other nurses
• Communicating with all members of the healthcare team
• Researching in any field

Changing specialty to a clinical nurse leader nurse 

If you’re in a nursing specialty and hope to change to a clinical nurse leader, it’s important to think about where you’d like to work. 

You can continue as a clinical nurse leader in your area of expertise, but your role will not be focused on a narrow scope of highly specialized tasks. Instead, it will be a more general application of broad skills to support your population of patients. 

If you’re coming from a role like med-surg, your experience will involve treating a range of both acute and chronic disorders. You should easily be able to apply your knowledge of the related processes, assessment skills, and communication skills to a role as a CNL. 

Each specialty will bring its own unique insights into working as a CNL. For example, critical care nurses know how to work under pressure and react quickly to negative trends in their patients. Pediatric nurses understand communication with children and parents. These are all skills you can bring with you to a CNL position.

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Step 3 – Obtain certifications

Certification is at the core of clinical nurse leadership and is required to hold the title. To be eligible to sit for the CNL Certification exam, you must:

• Pass the NCLEX-RN
• Be a graduate of an accredited CNL master’s or post-master’s program OR
• Be a student in the last term of a CNL master’s or post-master’s program

In addition, students enrolled in a CNL program must complete 300 clinical hours in practice as a CNL, and a total of 400 clinical hours in the program (which can include those in practice as a CNL). 

What are additional requirements of a clinical nurse leader? 

The initial CNL certification earned is valid for 5 years. Before the certificate expires, it must be renewed. A nurse does not have to hold the job title of clinical nurse leader or retest to renew the CNL certification, but the following criteria must be met:

• List employment during the 5 year certification period, covering 2,000 hours of professional practice
• List 50 contact hours earned during the 5 year certification period, including any CEUs earned toward renewing an RN license
• Meet the AACN Standards of Conduct
• Provide a current RN license number, state, and expiration date

What are the salary and career outlooks for clinical nurse leaders? 

Nursing in general is projected to continue to have job growth in the next decade, and master’s level nurses like CNLs are no exception. Through 2026, nurses in master’s degree prepared occupations similar to CNLs can expect an average of 26,000 annual job openings. 

Clinical nurse leaders have a robust salary outlook, with a national annual income of $102,715.

When considering your potential salary range as a clinical nurse leader, it’s important to look at the highest paying states and cities for nurses as well. These areas may offer higher than average pay as a CNL.

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Job satisfaction

Earning a master’s degree in a CNL program and earning your certification is no small feat. Does all this hard work translate into high job satisfaction? 

If you’re working as a nurse, a great way to find out is to seek out clinical nurse leaders within your organization and discuss your aspirations in the field. Advice from seasoned nurses can provide great insights into real world experiences in their roles. 

Next steps

Nurses who have successfully earned their clinical nurse leader certification and are working in the role may decide to further advance their leadership skills to a more specialized area such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice. 

Your understanding of the big picture when it comes to coordinating patient care may make a great stepping stone to a role in nursing administration, such as Chief Nursing Officer.

No matter what direction clinical nurse leadership takes you in, it’s sure to give you the ability to impact the quality of care your patients receive. For nurses with a passion for leadership and making a difference, being a clinical nurse leader is a worthwhile pursuit.

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