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Career Resources / Job Searching / Best Hospitals Alabama

As a healthcare professional looking to work in Alabama, you should consider the best hospitals in the state. The best hospitals are often the best employers, providing a more fulfilling work experience. 

One of the hospitals discussed in this article is a Magnet hospital. These are hospitals that meet a certain standard of nursing and nurture nursing talent, as determined by the Magnet Recognition Program set up by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Given that the criteria for this recognition include job satisfaction for nurses as well as the hospital’s ability to retain nursing staff, Magnet hospitals can be a great place to further your nursing career. 

Best hospitals in Alabama

While Alabama has only one Magnet hospital, the state has many other quality hospitals, which can be great places to work.

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University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital is one of the best healthcare providers and the only magnet hospital in the state. It’s known for its clinical research and for offering some of the best medical programs in the country. It has a 4-star patient rating according to the federal government. Additionally, according to a U.S. News and World Report, UAB ranks 27th for cancer and 29th for cardiology in the country. It’s ranked first in Alabama. 

In 2021, Forbes ranked UAB as the best large employer in the country. In the same year, UAB also received the woman’s choice awards for its practices in obstetrics, orthopedics, heart care, stroke care, cancer care, and breast care.

Learn more about University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital:

• Administration: non-profit
• Location: Birmingham, Alabama 
• Hospital network: 4 facilities
• Number of employees: 16,361

Andalusia Health

Andalusia Health is a general medical and surgical facility, part of the 79 hospital network of ScionHealth.It has a 4-star overall rating according to the federal government. It’s considered high performing in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) by the U.S. News and World Report.

Learn more about Andalusia Health: 

• Location: Andalusia, Alabama 
• Hospital network: 79 hospitals
• Number of employees: 22,000 (in total)

Ascension St. Vincent’s Birmingham

Ascension St. Vincent’s Birmingham is an acute care hospital serving Birmingham and the surrounding communities. According to the U.S. News and World Report, it’s ranked third in Alabama and second in Birmingham. Additionally, it is considered high performing in six procedures. It has a 5-star overall rating according to the federal government website. 

Learn more about Ascension St. Vincent’s Birmingham: 

• Administration: non-profit 
• Location: Birmingham, Alabama 
• Hospital network: St. Vincent’s Health System (5 hospitals)
• Number of employees: 1,001-5,000 employees

Children’s of Alabama

Children’s of Alabama is one of the leading children’s hospitals in the nation and the state’s only level 1 pediatric trauma center. Children’s of Alabama was awarded the No. 1 position as the best children’s hospital in the Southeast in the U.S. News and World Report rankings. It is also nationally ranked in 10 children’s specialties. 

Learn more about Children’s of Alabama:

• Administration: non-profit 
• Location: Birmingham, Alabama 
• Number of employees: 5,000+

Huntsville Hospital

Huntsville Hospital is a general medical and surgical facility. It is ranked number two in all of Alabama by the U.S. News and World Report. It is high performing in 11 procedures. Additionally, it has a 3-star patient rating, according to the federal government website. 

Learn more about Huntsville Hospital: 

• Administration: non-profit 
• Location: Huntsville, Alabama 
• Hospital network: Huntsville Hospital System (9 facilities and 7 affiliate hospitals) 
• Number of employees: 16,000 employees total

What makes a best hospital in Alabama 

The best hospitals offer more than just competitive salaries. An array of qualitative factors influence the overall quality of a hospital. These include career advancement opportunities, work satisfaction, and even the technology the hospital uses. 

Benefits 

Apart from attractive salaries in Alabama, the best hospitals offer nurses additional employee benefits. These in-kind benefits can include childcare services, access to free wellness and mental health programs, and tuition reimbursements, which help you save money in the long term.

While your initial inclination might be to seek out nursing jobs with the highest wages, consider that an increasing number of nurses are now factoring in these other qualitative benefits that improve the quality of their employment. 

Growth opportunities

It is essential to consider your career trajectory while evaluating employment options. Your chosen organization should offer the potential for upward career mobility once you start and excel at your job. 

Multiple external factors such as better insurance and an aging population have increased the demand for nurse practitioners. Additionally, some sub-careers within nursing are particularly lucrative; for instance, nursing anesthetists made an average salary of $202,470 as of May 2021. As a registered nurse, you should consider such career advancement opportunities that would benefit you financially and professionally as you choose where you would like to work.  

Employee satisfaction

Given the nature of the profession, it is not uncommon for nurses to develop compassion fatigue and suffer from burnout related issues. The best hospitals tend to prioritize employee satisfaction, which can mitigate the impact of burnout or fatigue. By fostering a positive workplace environment, these hospitals help keep employees satisfied and make their jobs more fulfilling.

High patient satisfaction 

The best hospitals also often have high levels of patient satisfaction. After all, if the employees are satisfied and motivated, they create an environment conducive to healing for patients.

The converse is also true. Higher patient satisfaction increases employee satisfaction. According to a LinkedIn survey, 86% of healthcare professionals report that having pride in their employer matters to them, and the most significant determinant of pride for 64% of healthcare professionals is “having a positive impact on society.” 

Other factors that make a top hospital 

There are various additional factors that help a top hospital stand out, such as its safety record, quality of customer service, state of technology, and ethical standards. 

Exemplary safety record

Various studies have determined that while 4 out of 10 patients are harmed in primary and outpatient healthcare settings, up to 80% of this harm is preventable. The best hospitals invest in practices, resources, and employees to avoid this and improve safety for those entrusted to their care. 

Hospital policies that focus on customer service 

High quality customer service is a critical factor in determining patient satisfaction. Apart from the medical treatment itself, there are numerous other services that patients require, such as billing and insurance filing.

The best hospitals provide seamless and valuable customer service, making them highly sought after. 

Latest technology and training to improve healthcare

According to the Alabama Hospital Association, leading hospitals use technology to ensure safe, high-quality care for patients. Procuring advanced technology and training healthcare professionals in its use reflects a hospital’s investment in the continuous improvement of healthcare. 

Recent technological advancements have enabled telehealth services that allow patients to confer with their physicians virtually. This is critical for homebound patients and has been especially useful during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Ethics leading the way

An ethical approach is central to high-quality healthcare systems. Ethics are critical when dealing with difficult patients or marginalized groups to ensure that everyone who needs care receives unbiased and fair medical treatment. 

All top hospitals have a robust code of conduct. For example, UAB hospital prioritizes equal healthcare access for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic or biological factors. 

Next steps

Regardless of whether you’re an experienced nurse or a recent graduate with limited nursing expertise, working in any of the best Alabama hospitals listed above can further hone your skills and help you achieve your career aspirations. 

Since finding a job without the right resources at your disposal can be a daunting task, Incredible Health has compiled a comprehensive guide on landing your dream nursing job in a top Alabama hospital. Here are important steps to take to kickstart your nursing career in Alabama:

Build your resume

A resume is one of the most critical components of applying for a job. Most, if not all, of the best hospitals in Alabama will require a resume for the initial screening process. Standing out from the competition is crucial when it comes to competitive jobs and personalizing your resume will help you distinguish yourself. Follow these best practices to develop a strong nursing resume. 

Join a nurses association

Joining nurses associations such as professional nursing organizations and nursing unions can help you progress in your career. These associations provide references, job opportunities, and chances to network with other nurses and senior members of the industry. Make sure you consider the pros and cons of joining a union before making a decision. 

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Attend industry educational conferences and workshops

The healthcare industry is rapidly evolving. With new technologies and practices emerging, it is necessary to upskill frequently. Attending industry-specific educational conferences and workshops to learn new skills and techniques is a good place to start. 

Stay abreast of continuing education requirements

Different states have different requirements for continuing education. Incredible Health, has compiled resources and guides to familiarize you with these education requirements. 

Use the Alabama guide and enroll in Incredible Health’s Alabama nursing CEUs to ensure that you keep up with the education requirements for Alabama. 

Search for job openings

After completing the steps listed above, it’s finally time to search for jobs in Alabama. Instead of applying for jobs the traditional way, what if some of the best hospitals in Alabama contacted you? Flip the script: create a profile with Incredible Health and let the HR departments of top hospitals compete to hire you!

Transfer your nursing license to Alabama 

Do you want to work in Alabama but are currently out of state? Depending on which state you’re coming from, the process to transfer your nursing license might differ. 

For example, are you moving from a nursing compact state to Alabama, which is also part of the Nurse License Compact (NLC)? If so, you can easily transfer your license. Butwhat if you’re moving from a non-compact state? Follow our comprehensive guide to get all your questions answered. 

Sources

• ALABAMA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION. alaha.org. Accessed June 30, 2022. 
• “ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®.” nursingworld.org. Accessed June 30, 2022.
• Medicare. medicare.gov Accessed June 30, 2022.
• “Pride a key factor in healthcare employee satisfaction: LinkedIn survey.” healthcaredive.com Accessed June 30, 2022.
• “THE ECONOMICS OF PATIENT SAFETY IN PRIMARY AND AMBULATORY CARE.” oecd.org Accessed June 30, 2022. 
• UAB MEDICINE. uabmedicine.org Accessed June 30, 2022. 
• “U.S. News Best Hospitals.” health.usnews.com Accessed June 30, 2022.

Career Resources / Job Searching / Best Hospitals Connecticut

Connecticut has been ranked among the top 10 healthiest states for several years, according to Connecticut by the Numbers. That’s a reason you should know its best hospitals to work for. 

We’ve listed in this article only Magnet hospitals, which is a designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Magnet hospitals meet high standards in many areas of healthcare service, including leadership, professional practice, and organizational effectiveness.

Best Hospitals in Connecticut

Magnet hospitals have consistently fostered better workplaces for nurses and patient outcomes. Our list is based on this criteria, as well as information from sources such as U.S. News & World Report and Medicare.

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Bristol Hospital

Bristol Hospital is the only Magnet hospital in Hartford County and has a four-star rating from the federal government.

The facility received a “B” grade from The Leapfrog Group for its hospital safety, and the Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for its high standards in healthcare quality the same year.

Learn more about Bristol Hospital:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Bristol, Connecticut
• Hospital network: 20 facilities (across the entire network)
• Employees: 1,700

Connecticut Children’s Medical Center

This hospital is ranked No. 2 in Connecticut and is nationally ranked in neonatology, pediatric gastroenterology, gastrointestinal surgery and pediatric urology by U.S. News & World Report. 

Connecticut Children’s is the only hospital in the state exclusively dedicated to pediatric patients. It was recognized with a Gold Level for its success using the Get With the Guidelines–Resuscitation program for neonatology and infant care from the American Heart Association.

Learn more about Connecticut Children’s:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Hartford, Connecticut 
• Hospital network: two facilities 
• Employees: 2,200

Greenwich Hospital*

Greenwich Hospital, a member of the Yale New Haven Health System, is rated high performing in several procedures or conditions, including colon cancer surgery and heart failure, by U.S. News & World Report. 

The hospital received the Women’s Choice Award for its high quality cancer care and patient experience and was recognized as a LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Top Performer from the Healthcare Equality Index.

The federal government gave it a five-star rating. 

Learn more about Greenwich Hospital:

• Administration: nonprofit
• Location: Greenwich, Connecticut 
• Hospital network: six facilities 
• Employees: 1,790 

Middlesex Hospital

Middlesex Hospital is rated high performing in kidney failure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) by U.S. News & World Report.

The facility, a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, has an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group and a four-star rating from the federal government.

Learn more about Middlesex Hospital:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Middletown, Connecticut 
• Hospital network: three facilities
• Employees: 3,100

Stamford Hospital

Stamford Hospital has a five-star rating from the federal government and is rated high performing in several procedures or conditions, including heart failure and kidney failure, by U.S. News & World Report. 

In 2021, the facility earned the Great Place to Work Certification. It also has an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group for its hospital safety.

Learn more about Stamford Hospital:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Stamford, Connecticut 
• Hospital network: 40 facilities (across the entire network)
• Employees: 3700+

St. Vincent’s Medical Center

St. Vincent’s Medical Center has a three-star rating from the federal government. It’s rated high performing in heart failure, kidney failure and stroke by U.S. News & World Report. 

The hospital, part of Hartford HealthCare System, was recognized with a Gold Plus Level in the Get With the Guidelines program from the American Heart Association for its heart failure and stroke programs.

The Leapfrog Group gave it a “B” grade for its hospital safety. 

Learn more about St. Vincent’s Medical Center:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Bridgeport, Connecticut 
• Hospital network: two facilities
• Employees: 1,800+

Yale New Haven Hospital*

Yale New Haven Hospital, York Street campus, is ranked No. 1 in Connecticut and is nationally ranked in several adult specialties, such as cancer, geriatrics and gynecology, by U.S. News & World Report. 

The hospital is a Level I Trauma Center for adult and pediatric patients and it was considered one of the World’s Best Hospitals by Newsweek in 2022. 

In 2020, the facility was also designated one of the Best Workplaces for Commuters. The federal government gave it a four-star rating.

Learn more about Yale New Haven Hospital:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: New Haven, Connecticut
• Hospital network: six facilities 
• Employees: 12,991

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

What makes a best hospital in Connecticut

Below you’ll find common features that make high-performing hospitals ideal places for nurses.

Benefits

A competitive salary is not the only perk that makes working in a hospital worth it. It’s recommended to check if the employer invests in employee benefits, such as medical plans, tuition assistance, exclusive discounts and paid time off.

Growth opportunity

Besides compensation, career growth should be another priority in your professional life. You may start as a registered nurse (RN) but you could specialize as a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). With an annual mean wage of $276,540, Connecticut ranks second among the states with the highest-paying CRNA salaries, as stated in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Another good option is to follow the nurse practitioner path.

Employee satisfaction

A BioMed Research International study suggests that high job satisfaction leads to better employee performance, which results in retention of professionals and an increase in patient satisfaction. Additionally, nurses who are satisfied are less likely to experience job fatigue and burnout.

High patient satisfaction

A healthy workplace is also very important to provide better service to patients. This allows the hospital to be recognized for its performance and to gain loyal customers as a result.

Other factors that make a top hospital

Several factors make a hospital stand out from the rest, as you just read. They can also go beyond in terms of medical safety, customer service, technology and ethics.

Safety record is critical

The quality of service in healthcare is highly dependent on hospital safety. Most infection problems can be prevented if employers record procedures and create standards that all employees can follow.

Hospital policies focus on customer services 

The customer service policies of a hospital, including regular staff training that keeps employees on the same page for best practices, make Connecticut’s best hospitals stand out.

Latest technology and training improve healthcare

Using technology in healthcare can be helpful for a number of reasons, including making healthcare decisions and analyzing patient data.

Ethics lead the way

In complex cases, such as when a patient refuses treatment because of cultural beliefs, ethics can be a valuable asset that guides decisions and actions taken by healthcare professionals.

Next steps

Whether you’re an experienced nurse or a recent graduate with the right nursing skills, working at one of the above-listed Connecticut hospitals can enhance your skills and advance your career goals. 

Job hunting without the right strategy can be a frustrating task. Here are tips on how to find your dream job as a nurse at one of Connecticut’s best hospitals.

Build your resume

There is an ideal method to present your job experience, skills and career goals to employers. The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses has established guidelines and we compiled them in our nursing resume guide.

Join a nurses association

Joining a nursing organization may be very helpful for your career in general. You can find suggestions of nursing organizations on our blog, if you’re interested in networking and mentoring, and an analysis of participating in nursing unions.

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Attend industry educational conferences and workshops

Attending nursing conferences is a great way to improve your professional development, have fun with colleagues and enrich your resume.

If you need some tips about conferences, or any nursing-related topic, check out our advice about working in Connecticut.

Keep up with continuing education requirements

Another way to keep learning is by studying on your own with online courses. Also, if you are an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), you may need to take Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to meet Connecticut’s education requirements.

Incredible health has free Connecticut CEU courses. Sign up and start learning!

Search for job openings

You should create an account on Incredible Health if you’re looking to get hired by one of the best hospitals in the country. 

Our nursing jobs marketplace uses exclusive technology to match the right candidate with the right position at the right hospital.

Transfer your nursing license to Connecticut

Connecticut is a noncompact state. This means that, if you come from a compact state, your multistate license will change to a single-state license. But transferring a nursing license is not as difficult as it seems. 

We’ve prepared a guide to assist you.

Sources

• “ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®.” nursingworld.org. Accessed July 9, 2022.
• “CT is Nation’s 4th Healthiest State, Analysis Shows” ctbythenumbers.news Accessed July 9, 2022.
• “Job Satisfaction and Associated Factors among Health Professionals Working at Public and Private Hospitals in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study” ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Accessed July 9, 2022.
• Medicare. medicare.gov. Accessed July 9, 2022.
• “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics” bls.gov. Accessed July 9, 2022.
• “U.S. News Best Hospitals.” health.usnews.com. Accessed July 9, 2022.
• “World’s Best Hospitals 2022.” newsweek.com. Accessed July 9, 2022.

Career Resources / Job Searching / Best Hospitals Oregon

Known for its culture and natural wonders, Oregon is well-suited for those looking for a change of scenery. This state is especially notable for its healthcare institutions.

Every hospital on this list is a Magnet hospital, as determined by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) criteria. A Magnet hospital is an honorable designation, with less than 600 hospitals across the country having been named with this quality of nursing and high patient satisfaction.

Here are some of Oregon’s top hospitals whose focus is on delivering the utmost care for patients and nurses. 

Oregon’s top hospitals

• Oregon Health & Science University Hospital
• Providence Portland Medical Center
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center
• Salem Hospital
• VA Portland Health Care System

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Best hospitals in Oregon 

The following list of Magnet-status hospitals has been compiled using websites such as the ANCC, U.S. News & World Report, and Medicare. Feedback from other trusted employment websites, like Glassdoor and LinkedIn, have also been used to rate their rankings.

Oregon Health & Science University Hospital

Regionally ranked number 1 in Oregon, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) Hospital has also ranked number 1 in Portland. Its Children’s division has ranked number 1 in Oregon  and number 6 in the Pacific region . It is nationally ranked in 6 adult specialties and 7 pediatric specialties and rated as high-performing in 3 adult specialties and 16 procedures and conditions by the U.S. News & World Report. The federal government has given this institution 4 out of 5 stars. This hospital is one of 11 academic medical centers to be recognized for demonstrating excellence in delivering high-quality care based on the annual Vizient Quality and Accountability Ranking.

Learn more about OHSUHospital:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Portland, OR
• Hospital network: 4 locations
• Nurses: 2,400

Providence Portland Medical Center

Regionally ranked number 5 in Oregon and number 3 in Portland, Providence Portland Medical Center is also rated as high-performing in 3 adult specialties and 11 procedures and conditions by the U.S. News & World Report. The federal government has awarded it the honor of 5 out of 5 stars. This institution has also been granted the America’s 100 Best Hospitals Award by Healthgrades from 2019 through 2021.

Learn more about Providence Portland Medical Center:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Portland, OR
• Hospital network: 1 location
• Employees: 3,160

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center Is regionally ranked number 2 in Oregon and number 2 in Portland, and is rated high-performing in 4 adult specialties and 16 procedures and conditions by the U.S. News & World Report. It has been awarded 4 out of 5 stars by the federal government. This hospital has also been named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for two consecutive years by Healthgrades.

Learn more about Providence St. Vincent Medical Center:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Portland, OR
• Hospital network: 1 location
• Employees: 3,500

Salem Hospital

Salem Hospital is regionally ranked number 6 in Oregon and is rated high-performing in 1 adult specialty and 9 procedures and conditions by the U.S. News & World Report. The federal government has given it 3 out of 5 stars. This institution has been honored with the Statesman Journal’s Best of the Mid-Valley People’s Choice Awards for Best Hospital, Local Surgery Center, and Most Innovative Workplace.

Learn more about Salem Hospital:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Salem, OR
• Hospital network: 2 locations
• Employees: 5,200

VA Portland Health Care System

The VA Portland Health Care System has received the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert W. Carey Performance Excellence Award and Trophy Award. It’s been awarded the California Award for Performance Excellence for two years. This hospital has been placed on the Healthcare Equality Index for eight consecutive years.

Learn more about VA Portland Health Care System:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Portland, OR
• Hospital network: 12 locations
  

What makes a best hospital in Oregon

Though their Magnet-status and accreditations already make them impressive places for employment, these hospitals in Oregon also offer valuable benefits, growth opportunities, and satisfaction to both their staff and patients.

Benefits

When seeking out new employment, nurses often question beyond the salary and look for other favorable benefits. These can include vacation time, sick leave, discounts, financial assistance for homebuyers, tuition assistance, wellness programs, and more.

Growth opportunity

One exciting aspect of nursing is the possibility for advancement and growth. While many begin their careers as an RN, the chance to pursue further education to become a nurse anesthetist (CRNA) or nurse practitioner is appealing due to a higher salary and additional responsibilities.

Employee satisfaction

Positive working environments tend to have higher employee satisfaction. This is important for nurses looking for new opportunities.

Employers that promote employee satisfaction create environments where, as a nurse, you are less likely to experience job fatigue or burnout. 

High patient satisfaction 

Patient satisfaction is often a reflection of employee satisfaction in hospitals. When there’s a great work environment and happy employees, patient satisfaction follows.

Other factors that make a top hospital 

There are other factors that make a hospital enticing for nurses, such as safety procedures, customer-centric practices, technological training, and ethics.

Safety record is critical

Safety records are vital for demonstrating a hospital’s commitment to safety standards and protocol. When health facilities require their nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals to carry out safety procedures, potential problems are more easily prevented.

Hospitals that focus on cleanliness are less likely to transmit further infection, and they’re setting a quality standard in the industry. These safety records demonstrate care and excellence, which are essential in hospital settings.

Hospital policies focus on customer services 

When hospitals value customer service, they are displaying their positive purpose. Hospitals that are more likely to promote patient satisfaction and rights are more sought after by potential employees.

Latest technology and training improve healthcare

Implementing and using new technologies in healthcare can be vital for staff and patients alike. Hospitals that train on new practices and software promote a higher standard for improved diagnoses and treatments.

When staff is continuously trained on new technology, there’s an improvement in emergency situations and patient care. The top hospitals in Oregon stay up-to-date on technological advancements and see them put into use. 

Ethics lead the way

Hospitals that rely on ethical practices to lead the way are more focused on positive outcomes for patients. When healthcare providers focus on guiding their profession through ethics, regardless of patient backgrounds, they create more valuable connections and management while delivering quality health services.

Next steps

As an experienced nurse or recent graduate, finding the right job at a top hospital in Oregon is meant to elevate both your skills and aspirations in your career.

However, it’s key to have the right strategies in place for the job search. Here are some tips and guides on how to land your dream job at one of Oregon’s top hospitals.

Build your resume

Personalizing your resume for the specific hospital and job you want will help to better set you apart from other candidates. Showcase your skills, knowledge, and accreditations and have solid references who can speak to your quality of work. These will ensure you stand out among the applicants.

Join a nurses association

Connecting and networking with other nurses can be quite simple with nurses associations. Check to see if your state has a nurses union that will allow you to gain access to connections and job opportunities. Consider the pros and cons of joining an association beforehand.

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Attend industry educational conferences and workshops. 

With the rapid advancement of the healthcare system, it’s important to continue learning relevant skills, technologies, and techniques. These will help you stand out to potential employers. 

Attending educational conferences and workshops in healthcare are beneficial for boosting your credentials, while also seeking out advice from other industry professionals.

Keep up with continuing education requirements

Not every state has the same education requirements, so it’s important to stay informed on these specifications. Incredible Health offers free CEU courses for many states, including Oregon, so sign up for a profile to access them.

Search for job openings

There are a variety of resources meant to guide nurses like you to job openings at the hospitals listed above or elsewhere in Oregon. This includes our platform.

Are you interested in learning more? Create your profile to have hospitals apply to you!

Transfer your nursing license to Oregon

If you’re coming from out of state to work in Oregon, you need to know your options. For example, arriving from a compact state to work in another compact state is a much easier process to transfer your license.

For noncompact states, however, there are additional requirements. Read our guide to find out more.

Sources

• “ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®.” nursingworld.org. Accessed July 11, 2022.
• Glassdoor. glassdoor.com Accessed July 11, 2022.
• Medicare. medicare.gov Accessed July 11, 2022.
• Vizient Quality and Accountability Ranking newsroom.vizientinc.com Accessed July 11, 2022.
• Providence Ministries’ Recognition providence.org July 11, 2022.
• Salem Hospital Awards salemhealth.org July 11, 2022.
• VA Portland Health Care System Awards and Achievement va.gov Accessed July 11, 2022.

Career Resources / Job Searching / Best Hospitals Maryland

Maryland is a state with many opportunities for nurses. For instance, you could work at Johns Hopkins Hospital, one of the largest hospitals in the world. 

In this article, we’ve named six Magnet hospitals — a designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). An organization with this designation has been evaluated as the gold standard in many aspects, such as nursing leadership and policies that encourage nurses to voice their concerns.

Maryland’s Top Hospital

• Frederick Health Hospital
• Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center
• MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
• Mercy Medical Center
• The Johns Hopkins Hospital
• University of Maryland Medical Center

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Best Hospitals in Maryland

We’ve listed the top hospitals with Magnet status located in Maryland. We’ve also based our research on reliable sources such as Medicare and U.S. News & World Report. 

Frederick Health Hospital*

Frederick Health, also known as Frederick Regional Hospital, is rated high performing in heart failure, diabetes, stroke and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) by U.S. News & World Report.

In 2022, the hospital was named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals from Healthgrades.

The organization also has a three-star rating from the federal government.

Learn more about Frederick Health:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Frederick, Maryland
• Hospital network: five facilities
• Employees: 3,300 (across the entire network)

Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center

Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center is ranked No. 6 in Maryland and is rated high performing in several procedures or conditions, including colon cancer surgery, heart failure and maternity care, by U.S. News & World Report.

The hospital received the Gold Plus Get With The Guidelines – Stroke quality achievement award from the American Heart Association in 2022 and the American Association for Respiratory Care Apex Recognition Award in 2021. It also has a four-star rating from the federal government. 

Learn more about Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Annapolis, Maryland
• Hospital network: three facilities
• Employees: 5,000+ (across the entire network)

MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center*

This Magnet hospital is one of the largest employers in Baltimore County and is rated high performing in several procedures or conditions, such as lung cancer surgery, heart failure, and diabetes, by U.S. News & World Report.

The facility has received The Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission for its healthcare quality. It was the first hospital in the Baltimore area to be recognized by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program from the Cribs for Kids for educating parents on safe sleep practices for infants and also received a “B” grade from The Leapfrog Group for hospital safety.

The federal government gave it a two-star rating.

Learn more about MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center:

• Administration: nonprofit
• Location: Baltimore, Maryland
• Hospital network: 10 facilities 
• Employees: 3,500+

Mercy Medical Center

Mercy Medical Center, or The Bunting Center, is rated high performing in colon cancer surgery, back surgery, hip replacement and knee replacement by U.S. News & World Report.

The facility, which is the main hospital of Mercy’s Downtown Baltimore campus, was named one of America’s Best Midsize Employers by Forbes in 2022 and has received the gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) in 2021.

The Leapfrog Group gave it an “A” grade for its hospital safety and the federal government gave it a five-star rating.

Learn more about Mercy Medical Center:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Baltimore, Maryland
• Hospital network: seven facilities

The Johns Hopkins Hospital*

The teaching hospital of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine is ranked No. 1 in Maryland and No. 4 on the Best Hospitals Honor Roll by U.S. News & World Report. 

The Magnet hospital also ranked No. 6 among the World’s Best Hospitals by Newsweek in 2022 and has received an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group for hospital safety in 2021.

Johns Hopkins Hospital, one of Maryland’s largest private employers, is accredited by The Joint Commission.

The institution has been designated as a Level 9 by The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) for its frequent use of technologies in innovative ways, which encourages adoption across the entire organization. The federal government gave it a four-star rating.

Learn more about The Johns Hopkins Hospital:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Baltimore, Maryland
• Hospital network: six facilities 
• Employees: 40,000+ 
• Nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:4 – 1:5

University of Maryland Medical Center

The University of Maryland Medical Center is ranked No. 2 in Maryland and is rated high performing in cancer by U.S. News & World Report. 

The teaching hospital, considered the highest-volume trauma center in the country, received the Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award and achieved the Advanced Certification for Comprehensive Stroke Center from the American Heart Association.

The Leapfrog Group gave it a “B” grade for hospital safety and the federal government gave it a two-star rating.

Learn more about The University of Maryland Medical Center:

• Administration: nonprofit
• Location: Baltimore, Maryland
• Hospital network: two facilities
• Employees: 6,500 

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

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What makes a best hospital in Maryland

Knowing about the best hospitals to work for in Maryland might lead you to wonder what features make them stand out. Here are some of them:

Benefits

Productivity and a sense of belonging in the workplace don’t only come from salary. It’s the result of a whole employee benefits program, which includes wellness initiatives, employee assistance and financial services, for instance. 

Growth opportunity

Career growth is important because it opens up new challenges and this helps you strengthen your skills. When you start as a registered nurse (RN), having a master’s degree through a certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA) program is an option of specialization. Alternatively, to become a nurse practitioner (NP), you must have the equivalent degree and pass the NP board certification exam.

Employee satisfaction

While in many companies employee productivity and job satisfaction are common challenges, top hospitals that invest in benefits and staff safety take it all in stride. And not only that, they also prevent nurses from suffering from work fatigue or burnout.

High patient satisfaction

Improving communication, reducing patient wait time and listening to feedback are examples of how the best hospitals in Maryland increase patient satisfaction. 

Other factors that make a top hospital

Besides benefits, growth opportunities and patient experience, here are a few additional factors that help a hospital become a dream workplace for nurses.

Safety record is critical

Top hospitals are easily identified by their infection control initiatives and high standards on the use of medical resources.

Hospital policies focus on customer services 

High-performing hospitals provide great customer service through privacy compliance checklists and training for complex situations, among other initiatives.

Latest technology and training improve healthcare

According to KPMG, the use of technology in healthcare makes a nurse’s daily routine easier and provides accurate patient data, which leads to improved interventions. Your career will progress if you work for an employer with this mindset.

Ethics lead the way

Magnet and high-performing hospitals also place a high priority on ethics, which assist employees in recognizing healthcare dilemmas and making moral and legal decisions.

Next steps

Working in one of the above-mentioned Maryland hospitals may be an amazing part of your career, whether you are an experienced nurse or a recent RN. 

If you don’t know what to do to achieve this, continue reading to learn how to land your ideal position as a nurse in one of Maryland’s top medical facilities.

Build your resume

Candidates’ skills and experience are important to employers. Check our nursing resume guide, based on AACN guidelines, to read more tips.

Join a nurses association

You can also boost your resume with knowledge and skills by joining a nursing organization. On the other hand, if you’re more inclined to advocate for specific interests, such as better wages, joining a nursing union may be the right choice.

Attend industry educational conferences and workshops

Besides nursing organizations, attending nursing conferences is another way to keep up to date on healthcare. You can also read different points of view on subjects that may interest you in our Maryland nurse advice section.

Keep up with continuing education requirements

Every great healthcare professional is also a lifelong learner. While Maryland doesn’t require  Continuing Education Units (CEUs), employers have their own requirements.

Take our free courses to make yourself stand out.  

Search for job openings

It’s 2022 and seeking a job can be easier than ever. Sign up on Incredible Health, get hired, and never be left hanging by a recruiter again.

Transfer your nursing license to Maryland

Maryland was one of the first states to pass the Nurse Licensure Compact legislation. There are procedures to follow if you’re not from the Free State.  Read this guide and know everything you need to transfer your nursing license.

Sources

• “ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®.” nursingworld.org. Accessed July 6, 2022.
• “Healthcare technology transformation trends in the United States” home.kpmg. Accessed July 6, 2022.
• Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. leapfroggroup.org Accessed July 6, 2022.
• Medicare. medicare.gov. Accessed July 6, 2022.
• “U.S. News Best Hospitals.” health.usnews.com. Accessed July 6, 2022.

Nurse Types / Crisis Nurse

A crisis nurse responds to urgent staffing needs during natural disasters, pandemics, and other events that stress a local healthcare system. 

Most crisis nurse positions are short-term and develop out of a sudden need for more skilled healthcare providers. For example, crisis nurses were called to New York City at the height of COVID-19 and to New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.

Do you have what it takes to become a crisis nurse? This article will explore everything you need to know, including:

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

What is a crisis nurse?

Crisis nurses are a type of travel nurse who is willing to respond immediately to an emergency healthcare event. 

Crisis nursing can pay very well, but these positions often involve long hours, limited time off, and scarce resources. Crisis nurses receive very little on-the-job training, so this type of nursing is generally reserved for experienced nurses.

Qualities of a successful crisis nurse

Crisis nursing can be a challenge. To succeed, you must be:

• Willing and able to respond immediately to a crisis event
• Ready to work long hours with limited time off
• Highly skilled in emergency or critical care nursing
• Able to use your nursing knowledge to safely improvise when resources are limited
• Comfortable working independently and without a formal orientation
• Ready with a strong self-care plan to deal with the physical and emotional rigors of crisis work

What do crisis nurses do?

Crisis nurse contracts are generally more short-term than the average travel nurse position. A crisis nurse may work for as little as one week to cover a nursing strike at a hospital in California, up to a full thirteen weeks to provide back-up for an unexpected COVID surge in Houston. 

Learn more about other types of nursing, including career outlook and average salary.

A day in the life of a crisis nurse

A crisis nurse must have the skills and experience to immediately provide advanced nursing care without a typical onboarding or orientation. At times, orientation can be as short as a few hours on the first day of work.

Crisis nurses should also be prepared for a higher patient ratio than usual. Additionally, the local emergency situation often means that on-site staff are extremely stressed and overburdened, which may create an even more challenging work environment. 

Crisis nurses should be prepared to learn the charting and medication administration systems in each new setting.

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Common conditions treated by crisis nurses

Crisis nurses should be prepared to float wherever the need is greatest. Within a single crisis assignment, they may:

• Float to the ER, the CVICU, labor and delivery, and progressive care within the span of a few weeks
• Deal exclusively with a particular infectious disease (like COVID-19)
• Provide care for trauma-related injuries after a natural disaster
• Have to figure out how to provide safe care with limited resources due to power outages, lack of supplies, or an influx of patients 

Where do crisis nurses work?

Crisis nurses work wherever the need arises. They may be asked to work in a busy urban hospital after a local outbreak or in a quiet rural healthcare system overwhelmed after a natural disaster.

What are closely related fields?

Crisis nurses may take on more routine travel nurse assignments between crisis contracts. Local travel nursing provides the opportunity to maintain a home base while enjoying the benefits of travel nursing.

Nurses who enjoy the high-adrenaline life of crisis nursing may also pursue:

• Emergency nursing
• Flight nursing
• Critical care nursing
• Neuro ICU nursing
• OR nursing

How do you become a crisis nurse in 3 steps?

There are three main steps to becoming a crisis nurse:

• Obtain your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Gain experience in critical care nursing
• Get certified in core critical nursing skills

Step 1 – Become a registered nurse

Earn a BSN degree 

To become a crisis nurse, you must first obtain your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). If you already have a bachelors in a related field, an accelerated BSN program can help you get your BSN in as little as 16 months.

It’s possible to become a Registered Nurse with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). However, most employers are looking for BSN-prepared nurses.

A BSN shows employers that you have advanced training in nursing skills and critical thinking. If you have an ADN, there are RN-to-BSN programs to help you quickly bridge the gap.

Pass the NCLEX exam

The next step to becoming an RN is passing the NCLEX exam. This national exam ensures that nurses have the minimum knowledge necessary to practice safely. Once you pass the NCLEX, you can apply for a nursing license in the state where you want to work.

Step 2 – Accumulate experience

Helpful skills and experience

If you want to become a crisis nurse, it’s essential to have previous experience working in critical care nursing, including in the ICU or emergency department.

 Sub-specialties in critical care are also in high demand, including:

• Neuro ICU
• Surgical nursing
• Labor and delivery
• Pediatric intensive care
• Neonatal intensive care nursing
• Cardiovascular intensive care nursing

At a minimum, crisis nurses should have at least two years of prior experience before applying to crisis nurse positions. 

Changing specialty to a crisis nurse 

If you want to change your specialty to crisis nursing, start by ensuring you have several years of experience in a highly desired field.

Other ways to increase your odds of finding a crisis nursing position include:

• Working as a travel nurse for several contracts to gain experience working in new environments
• Working towards extra certifications to show your expertise
• Making sure you have a compact nursing license and all required CEUs for the states where you wish to work

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Step 3 – Obtain certifications

Crisis nurse positions can be competitive due to the potential for very high pay. Maintaining certifications and credentials in different fields can help you stand out and land a lucrative contract.

The most common certifications for travel nurses include:

• Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)
• Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN)
• Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)

Each of these positions requires several years of experience with a particular population. 

To obtain the CPN certification, you must:

• Pass a national exam
• Demonstrate 1,800 hours of pediatric experience in the last 24 months or 
• Have at least five years of experience working as a pediatric Registered Nurse and 3,000 hours in pediatric nursing within the last five years, with a minimum of 1000 hours within the past 24 months 

The Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) national certification is offered by The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (ANCC) and includes three sub-specialties:

• Adult
• Pediatrics
• Neonatal

For each subspeciality, you must:

• Have 1,750 practice hours as an RN in direct care of acutely/critically ill pediatric patients during the previous two years, with 875 of those hours taking place in the year preceding application or
• Five years of experience as an RN with a minimum of 2,000 hours in direct care of acutely/critically ill pediatric patients, with 144 of those hours accrued in the year preceding application

The Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) exam is offered by the Board of Certification of Emergency Nursing. To sit for this exam, you need two years of relevant experience.

It’s also important to stay up to date on all certifications and to keep these certifications in an easy-to-access virtual document that can be shared quickly with travel nurse companies.

What are additional requirements of crisis nurses? 

Crisis nurses should be prepared to start a new position on very short notice – sometimes as short as a few days. Nurses with families or pets requiring care need to have a plan in place that can be implemented at a moment’s notice.

Due to the unpredictable nature of crisis nursing, this type of nurse should be comfortable with uncertainty. They may not have the next assignment lined up after finishing a contract, so they need a good savings plan to cover “off” weeks. 

In addition, crisis nurses need to be vigilant about staying up-to-date on routine employment screens and renewals, like:

• Physicals
• N-95 fit testing
• Drug screens
• ACLS, BLS, and PALS recertification
• Nursing license renewals
• Continuing Education Units (CEU) requirements

Crisis nurses should ensure they are licensed in their home state and maintain a compact nursing license. Additional licenses in other states outside the nursing compact will allow the crisis nurse to respond to more opportunities.

What are the salary and career outlooks for crisis nurses? 

One of the biggest benefits of working as a crisis nurse is the potential for very high pay.

There is a high demand for nurses in general. The average pay for all nurses is $82,750 annually, depending on location, setting, and prior experience.

Crisis nurses can earn between $2,000 to $10,000 per week, depending on the specialty and the city.

The average salary for crisis nurses is $100,896 per year. However, this can stretch to over $200,000 per year for nurses in extremely high-demand areas who receive exceptional bonus packages.

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Most crisis nurse contracts provide a weekly stipend for housing in addition to reimbursement for travel expenses. Some offer sign-on bonuses or other incentives.

It’s important to carefully read through your crisis nurse contract before accepting a position. When reviewing a crisis nurse contract, be sure to review:

• Base rate
• Overtime rate
• Hazard pay
• Housing and/or transportation stipend
• Take-home pay (after taxes)
• Need for quarantine before or after the contract, and if this is paid

Job satisfaction

While crisis nursing can be challenging and stressful at times, many nurses find great satisfaction in the work.

As a crisis nurse, you can:

• Provide lifesaving care during disasters and public health emergencies
• Have the opportunity to travel around the United States
• Earn one of the highest potential salaries in bedside nursing
• Support nursing colleagues when they need extra hands
• Put your nursing skills to the ultimate test in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Next steps

Do you have what it takes to become a crisis nurse? Talk to other crisis nurses on the Incredible Health forum and learn how you can enter this exciting and challenging field.

Incredible Health is your one-stop shop for everything you need to advance your nursing career. Create a free profile with Incredible Health, and we’ll help you:

• Stay current in your nursing license with free continuing education units (CEUs)
• Discover your ideal nursing specialty with our free specialty quiz
• Prepare your resume and cover letter through our career resources

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