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Blog

Watch: How UCSF Health Hires and Retains Nurses in the 3rd Year of the Pandemic

Jul 05 2022

In this webinar, UCSF Health System Chief Nurse Executive and VP for Patient Care Services, Pat Patton, DNP, MSN, RN, shares how he:

  • Creates opportunities to hear directly from the Nurses he serves
  • Develops Nurse retention strategies that work
  • Trains the next generation of Nurses, and
  • Hires the right nurses for the right roles in a competitive market

Before joining UCSF, Dr. Patton was the Chief Nursing Officer at the University of California Irvine Health where he led that organization to their 4th Magnet Designation.

Written by Incredible Health Staff

At Incredible Health, it's a team effort to achieve our vision: Help healthcare professionals live better lives. Many are licensed practitioners themselves; others are simply passionate writers and leaders dedicated to providing valuable resources to nurses.

Read more from Incredible Health

Amazon Prime Day Deals for Nurses

Jul 04 2022

Personal Finance / Prime Day Deals for Nurses

Amazon Prime Day is going on now until July 13. Now is a great time to stock up on any nursing supplies you’ve been needing. Or, anything else you may have been eyeing on Amazon.

Be sure to check back here to catch all the great finds for Prime Day!

Deals by Amazon

Deal of the Day

This is Amazon’s picks of deals that change daily.

Top finds

  • Kindle Essentials Bundle

Apparel

Amazon has a gotten a sizeable clothing catalog, and there are no shortages of good finds here.

Top finds

  • Bali Comfort Revolution Wireless Bra
  • Crocs
  • Signature Gold by Levi’s

Electronics

Whether you’re looking to buy a new gadget or even just a new extension cord, there are deals for them all!

Top finds

  • Amazon Fire TV 43″ 4-Series 4K UHD smart TV 
  • Apple Watch Series 7
  • Shiatsu Neck Shoulder Massager with Heat

Deals by brand

SONY

JBL

LASKO

Sharpie + Paper Mate

BISSELL

ring

Written by Journi Gillette

Journi is dedicated to helping businesses amplify their voice and place within their markets, and has years of experience providing value to intended audiences through content writing.

Read more from Journi

Become an Aesthetic/Cosmetic Nurse in 3 Steps

Jul 04 2022

Nurse Types / Aesthetic/Cosmetic Nurse

An aesthetic, or cosmetic, nurse is a healthcare provider who help clients enhance, improve or restore their features. This can include anything from assisting with face lifts to administering B12 shots. There are constantly new procedures and cutting-edge technologies for aesthetic nurses to offer their patients, making this an exciting field to work in. 

A career in nursing can lead you down so many rewarding paths – aesthetic nursing is certainly one of them!

In this article, we will discuss:

  • What is an aesthetic/cosmetic nurse?
  • What do aesthetic nurses do?
  • Where do aesthetic nurses work?
  • What are specific types of aesthetic nurses?
  • How do you become an aesthetic nurse in 3 steps?
  • What are the additional requirements of aesthetic nurses? 
  • What are the salary and career outlooks for aesthetic nurses?

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What is an aesthetic/cosmetic nurse?

An aesthetic nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who is highly trained and knowledgeable in state of the art technologies to help clients reach their aesthetic needs. Aesthetic nurses work in outpatient ambulatory settings, providing cosmetic dermatologic procedures. 

Qualities of a successful aesthetic nurse

Aesthetic nurses are detail oriented, self starters who are passionate about cosmetic dermatology. They have to know about the dermatologic treatments offered at their facility and be able to educate their clients. They also need to be good at sharing information with potential clients who are in the market for a skin enhancement procedure. 

Aesthetic nurses work in a collaborative team environment. This means they need great communication skills in order to work in this atmosphere.

What do aesthetic nurses do?

Most commonly, aesthetic nurses perform in-office procedures including:

  • Laser hair removal
  • Injections such as cosmetic dermal fillers
  • IV fluid infusions
  • Skin rejuvenation procedures
  • Tattoo removal

They spend a lot of time listening to potential clients and explaining the services offered. There is a significant focus on sales and customer service, so client relations is a big part of what aesthetic nurses do. 

A day in the life of an aesthetic nurse

The average day for an aesthetic nurse includes:

  • Performing procedures
  • Educating patients on different treatment options
  • Calling interested clients
  • Making follow-up phone calls
  • Providing high quality customer service 

The schedule of a medical spa or dermatology office may run on a typical 9-5 day, with potential for evening or weekend hours. Some aesthetic nurses also attend promotional events and support a company’s social media presence. 

Common conditions treated by aesthetic nurses

The most common conditions treated by an aesthetic nurse include:

  • Age wrinkles
  • Varicose and spider veins
  • Fat removal
  • Vitamin B12 deficiencies
  • Unwanted dark hair 

Depending on the scope of services offered where you work, you may have a physician on your team who provides more plastic surgery procedures. The treatments may include face lifts, nose reshaping, breast augmentation, liposuction, and abdominoplasty. 

Where do aesthetic nurses work?

Typically, aesthetic nurses work in a cosmetic dermatology practice, or a medical spa. You can also find aesthetic nurses at a dermatology office, skin surgery center, or an aesthetic medicine concierge practice.

Aesthetic nurses often work with a plastic surgeon, dermatologist or dermatology nurse practitioner. 

Depending on where you work, you may work directly under the supervision of an aesthetic nurse practitioner.

What are specific types of aesthetic nurses?

There are aesthetic nurses who focus more on cosmetic fillers, those who perform IV infusions, and those offering an array of other services.

Although there are not specific differentiations between types of aesthetic nurses, it is easy to find jobs requiring a specific niche of skills. Medical spa versus medical office, and skin procedures offered are the main differentiating factors. 

This difference may also determine which certification is right for you through the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board. 


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How do you become an aesthetic nurse in 3 steps?

Step 1 – Become a registered nurse

First, you’ll need to become a registered nurse. There are different ways to achieve this, so you’ll want to look into choosing the best degree program to fit your needs.

Earn a BSN degree 

To set yourself up for success, it is best to have your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Many cosmetic dermatology practices and medical spas do hire nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) but having completed your BSN will set you apart. 

There are many pathways to achieve this. Bridge programs are here to help. One example is the ADN to BSN degree program.

Another bridge program in the RN to BSN. This allows you to continue working as a nurse while earning your degree.

Pass the NCLEX exam

After completing a nursing program, you will be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The exam is 75-145 questions online by computerized adaptive testing (CAT). This means the test is individualized based on which questions you answer correctly or incorrectly.

Each candidate gets up to 5 hours to complete the exam. The majority of questions are multiple choice, but other question formats exist as well. 

If you do not pass the NCLEX exam, you will receive an exam report card that shows how you performed in each exam area. If you desire to retest, you will need to re-register and wait 45 days between exam dates. 

Once you pass this national exam, you’ll need to apply for your nursing license in the state where you plan to work. Check to see if your state is part of the nurse licensure compact (NLC). This is especially important if you plan to work in multiple states.

Step 2 – Accumulate experience

Helpful skills and experience

Plastic surgery experience is very helpful in pursuing a career change to be an aesthetic nurse. Most jobs are looking for a registered nurse who has experience in a related industry, especially if there is a focus on customer service. It is also strongly preferred to have sales experience.

Changing specialty to an aesthetic nurse

Let’s say you’ve worked on an inpatient cardiology floor for 5 years and are looking to become an aesthetic nurse. You can start by gaining experience as a nurse in general surgery, plastic surgery, or ENT. 

A certification as an aesthetic nurse will strengthen your knowledge and set your resume apart from other applicants. It can also be helpful to shadow an experienced aesthetic nurse to see what their day-to-day work looks like. You can also network and ask nurses questions about their career paths in becoming an aesthetic nurse.  

Step 3 – Obtain certifications

You can obtain certification through the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board. You must have completed at least 1,000 hours working in Plastic/Aesthetic Surgery, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, or Facial Plastic Surgery to be eligible to take one of their certification exams: 

  • Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS)
  • Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN)

What are additional requirements of aesthetic nurses? 

There are several aesthetic nurse jobs that require you to have your basic life support certification up to date. Consider completing free CEUs to help you prepare for this job transition. 

What are the salary and career outlooks for aesthetic nurses?

Nurses are vital to the healthcare workforce. The outlook for the nursing profession in 2022 is very positive. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the growth for RNs is expected to be 6% between 2021 and 2031.

Salaries vary by state for registered nurses. The mean national income for aesthetic nurses is $88,474 a year. This salary depends on location, education level, and experience. Aesthetic nurses should consider where they want to live, and the highest paying cities in the US for all registered nurses.

When looking at aesthetic nurse salaries, it is important to look beyond the hourly rate. Some positions may include bonuses, commission for sales, and other compensation on top of the hourly rate.  

Aesthetic nurse salary by state

  • California
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Maryland
  • Michigan
  • Missouri
  • North Carolina
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Texas
  • Washington

Job satisfaction

A career as an aesthetic nurse can be very rewarding. Aesthetic nurse jobs can offer a lot of autonomy and allow the nurse to foster strong relationships with clients.

Some of the other benefits include:

  • Work-life balance
  • Great pay
  • Part- and full-time work
  • Responsibilities beyond direct patient care

Work-life balance is a big draw for nurses looking to make a switch to this field. Often the schedule of an aesthetic nurse follows more traditional work hours. Nurses might have the ability to design their own schedule and work when it fits into their life.

There can be opportunities for overtime but do not require a nurse to sign up for 12-hour shifts.

Next steps 

After you’ve worked as an aesthetic nurse, you may start looking into other ways to advance your career. One option is to complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). There are also many continuing education courses available through Incredible Health. 

The transition to an aesthetic nurse can be a wonderful career change. You will gain new knowledge and experience in a fast paced, growing healthcare industry. Let Incredible Health help you land your dream job!


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Sources
  • Aesthetic Nurse Salary. ziprecruiter.com. Accessed June 20, 2022.
  • Get Certified: CANS. psncb.org/. Accessed May 31, 2022.
  • Nurse Licensure Compact. Ncsbn.org. Accessed June 7, 2022. 
  • Test Plans. ncsbn.org. Accessed June 24, 2022.
  • Photo by Sander Sammy on Unsplash
Written by Ariella Jolly, DNP, FNP-BC

Ariella Rosalie Jolly, DNP, FNP-BC is a writer specializing in a variety of healthcare issues. Ariella is a Registered Nurse and Family Nurse Practitioner with 10 years of experience. She specializes in family medicine, women’s health, and lactation support. Her nursing experience includes work on inpatient oncology, med surg, palliative care, and bone marrow transplant units. She also works as Adjunct Faculty for the University of Colorado College of Nursing. Ariella has written for hospital nursing newsletters. She graduated from Duke University with a BSN, MSN, and DNP in Nursing.

Read more from Ariella

Writing a Successful Nursing Cover Letter With Examples and Templates

Jul 01 2022

Career Resources / Job Searching / Nursing Cover Letter

Reviewed by: Kiley Griffin, R.N.

Writing an effective nursing cover letter may seem unnecessary–trust us: it’s not. Roughly 45% of job seekers send resumes without a cover letter. Yet, a majority of employers prefer cover letters to go with a resume. 

When looking for a new job, nurses often spend the most time developing their resumes. Sometimes they neglect their cover letters or don’t write one at all.  

Whether you are a new grad nurse or a nurse veteran, a good cover letter is a great way to separate yourself from the pack. Even if a hiring manager only skims it, it can mean the difference between you and another candidate getting the job if something catches their eye.

In this post, we will explore the following:

  • Examples and a Template for a Nursing Cover Letter
  • When Nursing Cover Letters Are Required
  • Benefits to Writing a Cover Letter
  • Steps for Writing a Cover Letter
  • Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Cover Letter

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AI-powered resume builder for nurses.

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Nursing Cover Letter Examples and Templates

With the right care and effort, you can craft a professional nursing cover letter that helps distinguish you from other candidates.  

We’ve provided two sample nurse cover letters and a template to help give you an idea of what to write.


DOWNLOAD Sample cover letter 1
DOWNLOAD Sample Cover Letter 2

Nursing Cover Letter Template

Hiring Manager name
Nursing Recruitment
1234 Any Place Road
Sometown, California 11111
(999)999-9999

June 16, 2021

Your Name
Title
Current Employer
Mailing Address
Phone Number
Email Address

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am pleased to learn of this opportunity, as I found the qualities you are seeking for this position to be an excellent match for my skills, education, and experience.

I have a robust background and leadership experience in emergency nursing, trauma/critical care, change leadership, and a commitment to providing high-quality care through standardizing workflows to align with best practices. It is in response to similar challenges that I have excelled during my career as a manager, director, and clinical leader. 

Also, I am particularly interested in [the company] because of your excellent reputation, community engagement, and focus on delivering high-quality care to patients. My current role primarily includes providing strategic direction to the clinical operations of the Emergency Department, Trauma Base Hospital, and Crisis Stabilization Unit. I also establish and enforce policies and procedures for the hospital. Additionally, I ensure that financial targets are met within my scope of responsibility.

Moreover, I am confident that I can support your strategic objectives of the ICU and provide stability in the department with regard to achieving quality outcomes, staff development, and meeting financial targets. I look forward to discussing in detail with you the ways in which my experience and determination will make further significant contributions to your organization.

Respectfully,
[Your Name]


When Nursing Cover Letters Are Required

Here are the most common scenarios when a nursing cover letter is required:

  • Applying directly to a specific person: Suppose the job posting invites applicants to apply to a particular individual instead of a general application system. In that case, it is appropriate to include a cover letter and address it to the individual. This is especially important for new grad nurses with less experience.
  • Referral for a position: Don’t skip the cover letter If you apply for work based on another professional or mentor’s recommendation. Use the cover letter to explain that someone referred you to the job and specify whom. This allows hiring managers to see that someone they value as a trusted professional in the healthcare industry believes you are qualified for a position.
  • When requested in a job listing:  Some job listings specifically request candidates to submit a professional cover letter with their application. Following job listing requirements to include a cover letter shows hiring managers that you follow instructions and have an eye for detail. Both are essential qualities in the nursing profession.

Benefits to Writing a Nursing Cover Letter

Knowing you are the best candidate for the job and proving it are two different things. You may have an impeccable nursing resume; however, 20 other candidates are applying for the same position.

Nursing careers are in demand, but that does not mean there isn’t competition for specific nursing positions such as a nurse practitioner or nurse educator.

Resumes are neatly spun packages of information about a candidate’s education, job history (when applicable), and professional certification. They leave little room for information about who you are as a candidate. 

That is where a good cover letter comes in. With the proper cover letter format, your cover letter will offer several advantages and is a great way to showcase your nursing skills.

Identify your intent

Resumes indicate your worth. Cover letters reveal your intent. Outline how your desires and skills align with the job you are applying for. This shows the hiring manager you are interested in the position.

Hopefully, it’s not going to be just another job for you. It will become part of your mission and vision as a nursing professional. For instance, if a position will help grow your leadership skills and prepare you for an advanced nursing career, state that as part of the intent. 

Provide a more in-depth description

Your education and credentials make up only a small portion of who you are as a nursing professional. How someone looks on paper is not an indicator of how they will perform. It does not accurately gauge their character.

In that sense, a cover letter provides a sample of what the hiring manager will expect in the interview.

Using a cover letter to honestly explore your strengths, weaknesses, experiences, interests, and perspectives is an asset. Maybe your resume includes a certification or award you are proud of. Expand on it in the cover letter. 

Pro-tip: Using some of the traits and terms found in the job’s job description is a great way to stand out as a candidate, as it shows you have the qualities the employer is looking for.

What makes you proud of that achievement and how does it make you the best candidate for the position?

Explain the gaps

Hiring professionals suggest resumes span one page for new nurses and those with less than 10 years of experience. Due to length limits, it is hard to explain any gaps in work history. Also, resumes leave out room for detailing why you may have shifted gears from an earlier career into nursing. 

A cover letter provides the perfect opportunity to explain these situations.

Establish a willingness to work

Cover letters add an extra touch to a job application. As stated, nearly half of all job applicants fail to include a cover letter with their job applications unless requested.

Going that extra mile shows a hiring manager that you are willing to put the work in to get the job done right. That is a desirable quality for any business or industry, especially in nursing and other healthcare careers.

Remember that a cover letter should focus on a resume’s highlights, fleshing them out in a more meaningful way.


These are key purposes of a nursing cover letter.

Include only information that falls into one of the four benefits listed above to get the most mileage out of your cover letter.

Top nurse jobs on Incredible Health

  • 🏥 Emergency Department / ER Nurse (RN)

    Pembroke Pines, FL | $49,490 to $100,000 /year

  • 🏥 Nurse Practitioner – Urology

    Melrose Park, IL | $86,000 to $131,000 /year

  • 🏥 Registered Nurse – Neuro ICU Assistant Manager

    Burlington, MA | $75,000 to $150,000 /year

  • 🏥 Staff Nurse (RN), Med Surg

    Shelby, MI | $59,640 to $77,630 /year

  • 🏥 Staff Nurse (RN), Med Surg

    Patchogue, NY | $73,450 to $127,496 /year

Get matched with these and thousands more permanent jobs on Incredible Health.

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Steps for Writing Your Cover Letter

The nursing field requires structure and proper etiquette.


You wouldn’t walk into a patient’s room and say,

“hey, Adam, what’s up, man?” 


The same need for etiquette and structure applies to writing a cover letter. 

Accordingly, we have provided steps to writing a successful nursing cover letter. 

1. Create a header

When a nurse injects a patient with a vaccine, they clean the area first with an alcohol wipe. They don’t just stick the needle in. In the same vein, you need to start by listing your name, phone number, email, and residential address. 

Make sure you put the date under that information. 

Last, include the recipient’s contact information as well. 

2. Use a professional greeting

professional greeting

This is your first impression – show respect. Using “Dear” will work when sending a formal cover letter. If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, simply write “Dear hiring manager.” 

3. Write your opening paragraph

Your first paragraph serves as the bait or pitch to get the hiring manager’s attention. Don’t bother placing a fishing lure of fluff to try and get their attention. It’s essential to lead with honesty and earnestness. 

While writing this paragraph, make sure you include the title for the position you’re applying to. If you’re applying to work as an RN, state that. Next, articulate why you applied for this job to begin with and your overall excitement to obtain this role.

Make sure that you key in on specific details about the position and how they interest you.

Here’s an example of a stellar opening paragraph:

I am thrilled at the opportunity to apply at St. Joseph’s Hospital as an ICU nurse. As an ICU nurse with over six years of experience, I have gained the necessary skills to perform my role excellently. Specifically, I am excited about the opportunity to work on a 35-bed unit with the demands it requires. I think that my experience, passion, and skill set make me an ideal ICU nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

4. Write your background paragraph

Dedicate this paragraph to your career in nursing up to this point. You want to include all the most applicable skills that pertain to this position. Be specific. Include the detailed duties that you performed that correspond to this new role. 

If you’re applying to work in oncology, but have training in wound therapy, maybe don’t lead with that. Try including only relevant examples. 

Next, include any measurable achievements you’ve had in other jobs that relate to this role. Keyword: measurable. 

Here’s an example of a job posting for an ICU nurse:

Now, here’s a great way to respond to such a job posting:

My experience as a CVICU nurse has allowed me to develop the necessary skills to provide exceptional nursing care through a continuously evolving education. One of my greatest achievements is training 10 CVICU nurses to handle the CVICU and work with external pacemakers and post-cardiac surgery care. By working alongside a variety of health care providers at all levels, I have been able to establish outstanding collaboration and delegation abilities. Through my education, a strong emphasis on patient advocacy and ethical decision-making has been incorporated. Therefore, I have learned to place patient care at the utmost importance. I have developed strong assessment and critical thinking skills. This allows me to deliver the highest quality patient-centered care.

5. Expand on qualifications

Try adding a few short stories that can highlight your primary achievements. This is a great opportunity to highlight your soft skills as well. 

Some potential soft skills include:

  • Communication skills
  • Leadership
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work under pressure

6. Craft a conclusion

In your concluding paragraph, circle back to why you’re the best candidate for this role. Try to expand on your eagerness to obtain the position. End the paragraph with a call to action. A call to action expresses your desire to hear from them soon with next steps regarding the hiring process.

7. End your letter formally

Just like you began your letter, conclude your letter professionally with a “Sincerely” or “Respectfully,” followed by your name. Ending your letter this way helps it end on a high, formal note. 


Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Cover Letter

In the nursing profession, a mistake can lead to a lawsuit. When writing a nurse cover letter a mistake could lead to you not getting a job. Below are some of the common mistakes to avoid when writing your cover letter.

  • Typos: The nursing profession has a lot of difficult and wonky spellings. For example, you may be proficient at Arrhythmia management, but do you know how to spell it? Having typos within your cover letter sends the message to your hiring manager that you might not be detail-oriented and that’s one of the most important traits in a nurse.
  • Focusing too much on yourself: According to Forbes, this is another common mistake to avoid. Often people try to list all their accomplishments in ways that don’t directly tie into how they can help the company. You want your cover letter to be strategic and it’s imperative to list ways that you can help the employer.
  • Lying: This should be obvious but it’s crucial that you tell the truth in your cover letter. The truth will eventually come out. The best policy is to just practice honesty.
  • Addressing the letter to the wrong person: This is a critical mistake. The recruiter or hiring manager probably will just stop reading at that point.
  • Re-writing your resume: Unfortunately, this is a common error when writing a cover letter. As explained earlier: resumes explain your worth, cover letters show your intent. They are two separate documents and a hiring manager will know if you attempt to merge them.
  • Using a different font than your resume: It may seem like a small detail, but using the same font on your resume shows that you pay attention to detail.
You’ve made it. Congratulations!

Writing a cover letter on its own separates you from the pack. However, writing a strong cover letter makes you an even more intriguing candidate. A nurse wouldn’t leave a stitch when sewing up a wound and neither should you leave a job unfinished when applying for a job.


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Nursing Cover Letter FAQs

How long should a nursing cover letter be?

Your nursing cover letter shouldn’t be longer than a page. The recruiter should be able to read it quickly and get a good idea of what you offer the company. Anything longer than that and you risk the recruiter tossing your letter.

What kind of font should you use for a cover letter?

It’s best to use either Times New Roman or Arial when writing a nursing cover letter.

What should a nursing cover letter include?

The cover letter should expand on information found in the resume. It should provide insight into your skills, qualifications and background.

Written by Incredible Health Staff

At Incredible Health, it's a team effort to achieve our vision: Help healthcare professionals live better lives. Many are licensed practitioners themselves; others are simply passionate writers and leaders dedicated to providing valuable resources to nurses.

Read more from Incredible Health
Reviewed by Kiley Griffin, RN

As an experienced RN, Kiley led the fast-growing RN team, that helped nurses on Incredible Health navigate their career options, and present themselves in the best way possible to top employers.

Read more from Kiley

Best Hospitals to Work for in Minnesota

Jun 30 2022

Career Resources / Job Searching / Best Hospitals Minnesota

There are plenty of good reasons for healthcare professionals to make Minnesota their home. The state boasts three of the Watson Health Top 100 Hospitals. All of the hospitals on our list have been recognized as Magnet hospitals by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. This gold standard designation assesses work environment, nursing excellence, innovations in nursing practice, and quality patient outcomes as an indication that facilities have created environments in which nurses can flourish and be empowered to lead in patient care. 

Best hospitals in Minnesota

The Minnesota hospitals listed below have all achieved magnet status and their emphasis on both patient outcomes and nursing excellence have earned recognition by U.S. News & World Report, Watson Health, Medicare, and others. Our rankings are based on this information, as well as feedback from top employment websites including Glassdoor and Indeed.


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Abbott Northwestern Hospital

Abbott Northwestern is a Magnet Hospital. It has repeatedly been named the Best Hospital in the Twin Cities and second in Minnesota in U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Hospitals, and was also nationally ranked in two adult specialties. Its staff has won national acclaim from The Joint Commission, the American Nurses Credentialing Center and more. It received a four-star rating in both patient surveys and for overall performance from Medicare, and ranked 20th in Newsweek’s 2022 list of The World’s Best Specialty Hospitals. 

Notable facts about Abbott Northwestern include:

  • Administration: Not-for-profit
  • General medical and surgical facility and teaching hospital
  • Location: Minneapolis, MN
  • Hospital network: Allina Health – 12 hospitals
  • Employees: 29,000+ (across the network)

Children’s Minnesota

Children’s Minnesota is a Magnet Hospital. It has been repeatedly recognized as a Best Children’s Hospital by U.S. News & World Report, with special recognition for its collaboration with the Mayo Clinic in cardiology and heart surgery, as well as for its pulmonology and lung surgery department and its joint nephrology program with Masonic Children’s Hospital. The hospital has also received acclaim for its leadership in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality

Notable facts about Children’s Minnesota include:

  • Administration: Non-profit
  • Acute care children’s specialty hospital
  • Location: St. Paul and Minneapolis, MN
  • Hospital network: Two hospitals, 12 primary care clinics, 9 specialty care clinics, and 6 rehabilitation sites
  • Employees: 5,458

Mayo Clinic Rochester

Mayo Clinic has the distinction of being top-ranked for quality more often than any other health care organization.  Among the many organizations that have endorsed this Magnet Hospital are the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which awarded it five stars for overall performance; independent, national nonprofit organization the Leapfrog Group, which awarded it an “A” for patient safety; and U.S. News & World Report, which consistently ranks Mayo Clinic as No. 1 hospital in the nation.

Notable facts about Mayo Clinic include:

  • Administration: Nonprofit
  • Academic medical center
  • Location: Rochester, MN
  • Hospital network: Rochester, MN; Jacksonville, FL; Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ
  • Employees: 73,000 across three main campuses and other sites

St. Cloud Hospital

A four-time Magnet Hospital designee, St. Cloud Hospital has been named a top hospital by numerous esteemed organizations, including being listed as a 100 Great Community Hospitals by Becker’s Hospital Review, as one of America’s Best Hospitals by U.S. News * World Report, and earning a 4-star rating from Medicare or Urology, Cardiology & Heart Surgery, and Pulmonology & Lung Surgery. 

Notable facts about St. Cloud Hospital include:

  • Administration: Not-for-profit
  • Location: St. Cloud, MN
  • Hospital network: CentraCare
  • Employees: 6,500

What makes a top hospital in Minnesota?

Great hospitals do more than provide high-quality patient care. They also value their employees, treating them with respect and providing them with generous wages, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits 

Today’s benefit offerings go far beyond salary and traditional offerings of health insurance, paid vacation, and sick time. To attract and retain top talent, many hospitals offer 401K or pension plans, onsite childcare, laundry services, tuition reimbursement, and even financial assistance for first-time home buyers.

Growth opportunity

Starting with a new employer is always exciting, but you have bigger plans for your future. The best hospitals encourage their nurses to explore career growth and facilitate a path to advanced nursing positions that offer higher salaries and greater responsibilities and autonomy. 

Employee satisfaction

Nursing is a vocation and a passion, but it can also be stressful. Nurses are at high risk for job fatigue and burnout, and hospitals are increasingly recognizing the need for extra emotional support. Minnesota was recently recognized as the second-best state in the country in terms of the working environment for nurses, and the best hospitals keep employee satisfaction high by offering flexible schedules, wellness counseling, and placing an emphasis on work/life balance. 

High patient satisfaction 

There’s a real feeling of pride that comes from working for an outstanding hospital. Positive patient outcomes are the goal of every healthcare professional. When patients express their thanks and high levels of satisfaction, it has a direct connection to staff satisfaction.

Other factors that make a top hospital 

Top hospitals distinguish in many ways, including a dedication to enhanced patient safety, a dedication to customer satisfaction and the community that surrounds them, offering state-of-the-art equipment, and upholding high ethical standards.

Safety record is critical

According to the CDC, one out of every 25 patients treated in a U.S. hospital is diagnosed with at least one infection related to hospital care. The best hospitals have dedicated themselves to transparency in reporting their safety records and to adhering to protocols designed to minimize infection. 

Hospital policies focus on customer services 

Patients may not think of themselves as a hospital’s customers, but facilities that focus on treating patients and their families with respect, warmth, and dignity rank high in customer satisfaction. Hospitals that recognize the importance of customer service also value their staff and extend the same interest to them. 

Latest technology and training improve healthcare

The best hospitals are those that are constantly striving to improve the care that they provide. They do this by recruiting top-of-the-line talent and investing in state-of-the-art technology that enhances their ability to diagnose and treat patients. 

Ethics lead the way

A hospital’s values are reflected in everything that they do. It shows in the way that they treat their patients as well as their employees. It is also reflected in their commitment to the greater community. Great hospitals work to improve healthcare delivery and processes in a way that is guided by their moral principles, beliefs and values.


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Next steps

Working for one of the high-quality Minnesota hospitals listed above is a goal for every nurse. It can be the start to a promising career or the pinnacle after providing skilled and compassionate care. 

No matter your experience, applying for a new job takes preparation, organization, and a strategic approach. The guidance below will make a real difference in your journey. 

Build your resume

Your resume should highlight all of your accomplishments, from your education and any certifications you’ve earned to the jobs you’ve held and the skills that you’ve gained. To make it stand out, use action verbs, and take the time to carefully read the description of any job posted and make sure that your resume echoes the language that the hospital has used to show that you are what they’re looking for. 

Join a nurses’ association

Sometimes getting the job that you want is a question of knowing the right people. In Minnesota, the Minnesota Nurses Association represents 22,000 registered nurses in the state. Though unions aren’t for everybody, joining professional nursing organizations can make a big difference in your exposure to job opportunities.

Attend industry educational conferences and workshops

Demonstrated interest in expanding your skills and knowledge is an excellent way to set yourself apart from other job candidates. Attendance at educational nurses’ conferences will expose you to the latest technologies and protocols and boost your ability to network with other professionals. 

Keep up with continuing education requirements

Minnesota has rigorous continuing education requirements for nurses, whether LPNs, RNs, or APRNs. Incredible Health offers free accredited Minnesota CEU courses that are easy to access. They can be completed quickly and you’ll get instant access to your course completion certificates.

Search for job openings

Sometimes the hardest part of finding a new job is the search itself. You could scour the hospital websites or search job boards, or take a new approach and have the hospitals come to you! With Incredible Health’s popular recruitment tool, you create a profile of your skills and goals (including wanting to work at a top Minnesota hospital). The hospitals are constantly searching our site for top talent, and will apply to hire you!

Transfer your nursing license to Minnesota

Minnesota’s state legislature is currently considering becoming a Nursing Compact State, but the bill has not yet been approved. If you don’t have a Minnesota nursing license and aren’t licensed in one of the bordering states (North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, or Wisconsin), you’ll need to apply for a Minnesota state nursing license.  

Top Minnesota nurse jobs on Incredible Health

  • 🏥 Nurse Practitioner – NICU

    St. Paul, MN | $86,000 to $132,000 /year

  • 🏥 Registered Nurse – Acute Care

    Saint Paul, MN | $61,470 to $101,650 /year

  • 🏥 Registered Nurse – PICU Float

    St. Paul, MN | $61,470 to $101,650 /year

  • 🏥 Registered Nurse – Pediatric Behavioral Health

    St. Paul, MN | $61,470 to $101,650 /year

  • 🏥 Staff Nurse (RN), Med Surg

    Minneapolis, MN | $61,470 to $101,650 /year

Get matched with these and thousands more permanent jobs on Incredible Health.

See your job matches

Sources

  • “Abbott Northwestern Awards and Ratings.” Allinahealth.org. Accessed June 25, 2022.
  • “Abbott Northwestern Hospital.” health.usnews.com.. Accessed June 25, 2022
  • “Find a Magnet Organization.” nursingworld.org. Accessed June 25, 2022.
  • “Healthcare-Associated Infections.” cdc.gov.. Accessed June 26, 2022.
  • “Pride a key factor in healthcare employee satisfaction: LinkedIn survey.” healthcaredive.com. Accessed June 26, 2022. 
  • “Amid nurses’ burnout, Minnesota provides second-best work environment for the profession.” thecentersquare.com. Accessed June 26, 2022.
  • “The World’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2022.” newsweek.com. Accessed June 25, 2022.
  • “Watson Health Top 100 Hospitals.” ibm.com. Accessed June 25, 2022.
Written by Incredible Health Staff

At Incredible Health, it's a team effort to achieve our vision: Help healthcare professionals live better lives. Many are licensed practitioners themselves; others are simply passionate writers and leaders dedicated to providing valuable resources to nurses.

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