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Ways for Nurses to Celebrate Halloween at Work

Depending on what unit you work in, Halloween weekend can be a busy week! The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System produced a study that claims Halloween is one of the top five holidays for ED admissions (the list also includes Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day if you were curious). Just because you work doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the Halloween festivities!

Halloween costumes for nurses at work

Some hospitals and units allow their nurses to dress up for Halloween (within reason of course!). Here are some fun and easy costume ideas if you want to add some flair to your scrubs for the day.

  1. Character-themed color scrubs are an easy way to mix and match your scrubs in a fun color-way to resemble your favorite character!
  2. A Witch Doctor is the perfect pun costume. It’s a simple yet clever costume that is as simple as removing a hat if you’re in a bind.
  3. Switching up your daily look with Halloween-themed scrubs is a great way to add some festive fun to your outfit of the day.
  4. A spider bun is a fun way if you want to add a spooky touch to your bun for the day.

Bringing fun Halloween treats to work

Bringing in some treats for your colleagues who also have to work are a great way to perk up the night shift. Patients are likely going to enjoy some sweet treats too, especially in pediatrics! Having a variety of treats to accommodate special diet needs is also a great option so no patient is excluded. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Bag of Bones from: GluedToMyCraftsBlog
Halloween Hand Treat Bags: Queen Bee Today
Cheesestick Ghosts, Tangerine Pumpkins + Halloween Snack Mix: Sizzling Eats
Halloween Pumpkin Fruit Cups: Eating Richly

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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.

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A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Utah

Registered nurses working in Utah enjoy tremendous career opportunities in a state with a thriving economy. The abundant natural beauty and wide open spaces invite outdoor activities and healthy living that has led to some of the lowest rates of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure in the nation.

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How to get your Utah nursing license by examination

Step 1: Education

Maybe you want to start your career as soon as possible, so you chose a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing program. Maybe you wanted the full college experience and attended a four-year bachelor’s program. Whatever type of nursing degree you’ve earned, it’s the first step in your path to qualifying to take the NCLEX exam and getting your Utah nursing license.  

Step 2: Take the NCLEX 

Utah asks nurse candidates to register for the NCLEX exam before applying for licensure, and only after passing the test can you apply for your license.

To start, create an NCLEX account at Pearson VUE and pay the $200 testing fee. It is important that when you sign on you select the program code that matches the type of nursing degree you earned. 

After registering for the exam, log on to the Utah Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing’s website and submit an Authorization to Test application, found under the Exam Information tab. You can apply online or use a manual form, which must be sent with official transcripts to [email protected] or by mail to:

Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing

Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Heber M. Wells Building
160 East 300 South
P.O. Box 146741
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741

Official transcripts must be submitted at the same time as the request for authorization to test application.

The NCLEX will test your knowledge of the foundational information you were taught during your nursing program, including:

  • Safe and Effective Care Environment
  • Management of Care  
  • Safety and Infection Control 
  • Health Promotion and Maintenance 
  • Psychosocial Integrity 
  • Physiological Integrity 
  • Basic Care and Comfort 
  • Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies 
  • Physiological Adaptation  

Step 3: Submit Transcripts and Request for Authorization to Test

After registering for the exam, log on to the Utah Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing’s website and submit an Authorization to Test application, found under the Exam Information tab. You can apply online or use a manual form, which must be sent with official transcripts to [email protected] or by mail to:

Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing

Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Heber M. Wells Building
160 East 300 South
P.O. Box 146741
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741

Official transcripts must be submitted at the same time as the request for authorization to test application. Transcripts must have the school seal, a date of graduation, and the degree that you earned. In addition to submitting them to the email address listed above, transcripts can be sent via a 3rd party clearinghouse to [email protected] by your school’s registrar. 

Step 4: Apply for Licensure

If you’ve passed the NCLEX, your next step is to apply for your initial registered nurse license. If you did not pass, you will be sent a candidate report detailing the results of your exam results. You can then pay the $200 examination fee again, email the Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing at [email protected] to request being made eligible for the exam again, and retake the examination in 45 days. 

The application for licensure can be found online here. It can also be printed out and mailed in. The fee is $90.00

Step 5: Fingerprints

The state of Utah also requires that you submit fingerprints to complete the application process. You must have an application on file or be prepared to submit your application at the time of your appointment. 

Local applicants can make an appointment here to have their prints taken at the Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing office at 160 E. 300 S. Salt Lake City. You will need valid government identification. 

Candidates who cannot have their fingerprints taken at the Salt Lake City office must include two completed blue fingerprint cards (Form FD-258) with their application. 

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Licensing by endorsement (already have RN licensure)

If you are a registered nurse who has already passed the NCLEX and is licensed in another state, switching your license to Utah requires following the licensure by endorsement process. 

To qualify for licensure by endorsement, you must have held the equivalent licensure in the state you are moving from for at least one year and your license must be active and in good standing. 

You must:

  1. Submit a complete application for licensure, including fingerprints and the appropriate fees.
    1. To go through the fingerprint process, you must have an application on file or be prepared to submit your application at the time of your appointment. 
    2. Local applicants can make an appointment here to have their prints taken at the Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing office at 160 E. 300 S. Salt Lake City. You will need valid government identification. 
    3. Candidates who cannot have their fingerprints taken at the Salt Lake City office must include two completed blue fingerprint cards (Form FD-258) with their application. 
  2. You will be asked to submit official verification of your license. This can be submitted via the NURSYS program if you are coming from a Nursys participating state. If your state does not participate with NURSYS, you must request verification from the state board of nursing and have it sent directly to the State of Utah at this address:

Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Heber M. Wells Building
160 East 300 South
P.O. Box 146741
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741

How to renew your Utah nursing license

Step 1: When to submit your renewal application

Utah’s registered nurse licenses expire every two years on January 31 of years ending in odd numbers. At least 60 days before your license expires, the Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing will mail you a renewal notice. 

Step 2: Fulfill continuing competency requirements

To renew your Utah nursing license, you must either practice for at least 400 hours or practice for at least 200 hours and complete 15 hours of approved continuing education. You can also choose to complete 30 hours of approved continuing education. 

You must also complete at least one of the following online suicide prevention trainings, which do count towards your required CE credits.

  • Suicide prevention (0.5 credit)
  • Supporting patients (0.5 credit)
  • Collaborative safety planning (0.5 credit)
  • CALM-UTAH (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (1 credit))

Incredible Health is here to help you meet your continuing competency requirements. We offer free Utah CEUs that are easy to access, as well as immediate certification of completion.

Step 3: Submit your renewal application

To submit your renewal application, visit this page and mark off the two indicators that you have completed the state’s renewal requirements. Only when you have confirmed both your practice hour/continuing education requirement and your suicide prevention requirement will you be permitted to proceed with the application.

Utah nursing licensing fees

Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Utah whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to Utah from another state. For more information visit the Utah licensing page.

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

  • NCLEX exam fee: $200
  • Application fee: $60 (LPN/RN) $100 (APRN)
  • Fingerprint processing fee: $10
  • Criminal background check fee: $20

Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

  • Application fee: $60 (RN/LPN); $100 (APRN)
  • Fingerprint processing fee: $10
  • Criminal background check fee: $20

License renewal fees:

  • Application fee: $68 (RN/LPN); $78 (APRN)

Additionally, Utah is a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.

*Fees are subject to change.

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Continuing education requirements

RN: Renewal period is every 2 years
Choose one of the following options:

  • 15 hours of continuing education related to nursing and 200 of practice hours; or
  • 30 hours of continuing education; or
  • 400 hours of licensed practice

LPN: Renewal period is every 2 years
Choose one of the following options:

  • 15 hours of continuing education related to nursing and 200 of practice hours; or
  • 30 hours of continuing education; or
  • 400 hours of licensed practice

APRN: Renewal period is every 2 years

  • Must maintain national certification: and
  • Must be currently certified in specialty area; or
  • 30 hours of CEUs and 400 hours of practice each year; and
  • APRNs with prescriptive authority are required an additional 3.5 hours in controlled substances prescribing, plus .5 hours from the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing online tutorial

How to contact the Utah Board of Nursing

Utah Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Phone: (801) 530-6628
Fax: (801) 530-6511

Website: https://dopl.utah.gov/nurse/index.html

Heber M. Wells Bldg., 4th Floor, 160
East 300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

More Utah Resources

Written by Andi Tailleart

Andi joined Incredible Health in April 2021, after earning her Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology from Arizona State University. She has written for blogs, non-profit organizations, and academic papers. Andi is responsible for editing blog content for the Incredible Health website and thoroughly enjoys helping nurses get the information they need to succeed.

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A Guide to Nursing in South Dakota

Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / South Dakota

If you are a registered nurse (or are thinking of becoming one), and you have a desire for the stunning landscapes of South Dakota, read on to find all the information you need. Here, you’ll learn about licensing info, continuing education requirements, job & salary outlook, top hospitals, and nursing associations. Let us help you find your dream job!

In this article, we will cover:

Licensing information

Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in South Dakota whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to South Dakota from another state. For more information visit the South Dakota licensing page.

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

  • NCLEX exam fee: $200
  • Application fee: $100 (RN/LPN/CNP)

Licensing fee by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

  • Application fees: $100 (RN/LPN/CNP)
  • Temporary permit: $25

License renewal fees:

  • Application fee: $115 (RN/LPN); $95 (CNP)

South Dakota is a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.

*Fees are subject to change.
**Most states require a background check, but prices are not always listed.

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Steps for renewing a South Dakota nursing license

  1. Verify the status of your license

    Visit the Verification page to confirm your license.

  2. Go to the South Dakota Board of Nursing to enter your renewal application

    Visit the Renewal Information page for specific requirements.  South Dakota is a compact state. If your Primary State of Residency is in another compact state do not apply for licensure in South Dakota unless you are declaring South Dakota as your Primary State of Residency. 

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Continuing education requirements

RN/LPN: None
South Dakota does have a minimum practice requirement: 

  • provide verification of employment in nursing for a minimum of 140 hours in any 12-month period during the previous 6 years, or a total accumulation of 480 hours during the previous 6 years

APRN: Maintain national certification

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Job and salary outlook for nurses in South Dakota

Due to the shortage of nurses, these healthcare professionals are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates the profession will grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031. The national average salary is $82,750.

We can also help you check out salary estimates to help determine if South Dakota is the right state for you.

[ MORE: Average nurse salary in South Dakota ]

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Top hospitals in South Dakota

If you’re not already picking up the phone to call movers, maybe this list of the best hospitals in South Dakota will sway you in the right direction. Here are the top hospitals according to U.S. News and World Report:

  • Sanford USD Medical Center – Sioux Falls, SD: This hospital is a member of the Magnet Recognition Program® and is rated high performing in 3 adult specialties and 14 procedures and conditions. Some specialties include:
    • Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
    • Orthopedics
    • Pulmonology & Lung Surgery

*Magnet status – Awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is considered the “gold standard” for excellence in nursing practice and care. Hospitals must meet certain criteria and apply to be designated.

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Nursing organizations and associations in South Dakota

Once you become a registered nurse (or even if you’re in the process), joining a nursing organization or association will give you access to networking, job opportunities, and a wealth of information shared between fellow nurses. Here are a few of the organizations and associations for nurses in South Dakota:

South Dakota Nurses Association: “The South Dakota Nurses Association speaks with a unified voice to support professional nursing through advocacy, communication, networking and collaboration across nursing specialties. The Registered Nurse is an advocate of access to quality, cost effective care while upholding standards of excellence for the profession.”

South Dakota School Nurse Association: “The mission of the South Dakota School Nurses Association (SDSNA) is to promote and advance the need, value, and importance of nursing and health services in the educational environment.”

South Dakota Student Nurses Association: “Participating in NSNA prepares you for involvement in professional associations when you graduate, as well as for participation in shared governance organizations in the workplace.  It is comprised of students who are preparing for their RN Licensure.  South Dakota Student Nurses Association provides educational opportunities for student nurses through leadership, education, scholarship, legislature, and career networking.”

Check out the comprehensive list of national organizations as well.

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Basic steps for licensing and certification

Step 1: Education

Attend an accredited nursing school to earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN will take between 18 and 24 months to complete, while you can expect to spend roughly four years to earn a BSN. If you already have an ADN, there is an ADN to BSN bridge program that allows you to earn a BSN in 12-18 months. There is also an RN to BSN bridge which takes three semesters of nursing courses to be completed in one year. These programs will save you time and money. The more education you have, the better your chances of landing your dream job. 

Step 2: Licensing

When you are six weeks away from graduation, you can apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. There are 75 to 265 questions on the NCLEX-RN with a five-hour time limit for completion. If you do not pass the NCLEX-RN on your first attempt, you must wait 45 days before you can try again.

The NCLEX includes questions on the following topics to test nursing candidates’ knowledge:

1. Safe and effective care environment
2. Health promotion and maintenance
3. Psychosocial integrity
4. Physiological integrity

Step 3: Experience

This step in the process is to gain hands-on experience. This will provide you with invaluable opportunities to work with patients making you attractive to future employers.

Step 4: Certification

The final step is to obtain certifications for your chosen career. Requirements for earning a certification vary so it is important to check with the governing body for information. Incredible Health offers free courses in order to obtain or renew certification requirements. Create a free account to access professional development mandates and get instant certificates.

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Contact information

South Dakota Board of Nursing
Phone: (605) 362-2760

Website: https://doh.sd.gov/boards/nursing/

4305 S. Louis Avenue
Suite 201
Sioux Falls, SD 57106-3115

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Written by Andi Tailleart

Andi joined Incredible Health in April 2021, after earning her Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology from Arizona State University. She has written for blogs, non-profit organizations, and academic papers. Andi is responsible for editing blog content for the Incredible Health website and thoroughly enjoys helping nurses get the information they need to succeed.

Read more from Andi

A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Rhode Island

Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / Rhode Island

Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it’s big on beautiful beaches, top quality education, and affordable housing. The state enjoys all four seasons and is home to some of the nation’s most famous festivals and highly respected colleges.

In this article, we will cover:

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How to get your Rhode Island nursing license by examination

Step 1: Education

The entire time you were pursuing your nursing degree, you were working towards this moment: the time when you’d be ready to apply for your nursing license. Whether you attended school in Rhode Island or in another state, the education you received is the key to your future career.

Step 2: Apply

The state of Rhode Island uses an online license application process. Applicants for a registered nurse license by examination begin by registering and creating a user ID and password on the State Department of Health’s online services page, then proceeding to complete the application and paying the $135 registered nurse application fee. You will be able to submit most documents via email to [email protected] or mail them to:

Department of Health
Three Capitol Hill – Room 103
Providence, RI 02908-5097

The requirements for licensure are: proof of Rhode Island residency in the form of a driver’s license, tax return, or lease containing a Rhode Island address; official transcripts; background check with fingerprints.

You will also need to register to take the NCLEX exam, which you can do at this website or by phone at 866-263-9600. There is a $200 registration fee.

Step 3: Submit Official Transcripts

Rhode Island does not accept e-transcripts. Applicants must have official transcripts sent directly from their school of nursing to the Department of Health, and transcripts must include graduation date and degree conferred. Ask your school to send your transcripts to:

Department of Health
Three Capitol Hill – Room 103
Providence, RI 02908-5097

Step 4: Criminal Background Check (CBC)

Your criminal background check will be conducted by the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General. To arrange for this check, you will need to print out the fingerprint form found on this page under the National Background Check tab and bring it in to the Customer Service Center at:

4 Howard Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920. 

The fee is $35.

Out-of-state applicants can download the forms found on the same page and submit with fingerprints to the Office of the Attorney General. This process includes printing out and completing a fingerprint form, signing a release/disclaimer form and having it notarized, and sending it along with the BCI Certification of Fingerprints form that has been completed by the agency that fingerprinted you. You will also need to submit a copy of a valid form of photo identification and a check for $35.00. Mail the packet to:

Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General
Attn: Fingerprint Department
4 Howard Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920

Step 5: Take the NCLEX

Once all of your materials have been submitted to the Department of Health in support of your application, notification will be sent to Pearson VUE of your eligibility and they will email you an Authorization to Test. Taking and passing the NCLEX exam is the final step for licensure. The test reviews the most important material that you covered during your nursing education to ensure that you have learned it and retained it. Topics include: 

  • Safe and Effective Care Environment
  • Management of Care  
  • Safety and Infection Control 
  • Health Promotion and Maintenance 
  • Psychosocial Integrity 
  • Physiological Integrity 
  • Basic Care and Comfort 
  • Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies 
  • Physiological Adaptation 

Once you have completed the application process and all supporting material has been submitted and approved, the Rhode Island Board of Nursing will notify Pearson VUE that you are eligible to take the exam and you will receive an Authorization to Test via email. 

Passing the NCLEX will lead to the state issuing you a license card. If you do not pass the NCLEX you can retake the test. Doing so requires reregistering with Pearson VUE and paying the $200 fee. You can take the test at any time once 45 days have passed since your last exam date.

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Licensing by endorsement (already have RN licensure)

Registered nurses who are licensed in another state and who wish to become licensed in Rhode Island must apply for licensure by endorsement. The requirements include:

  • Proof of Rhode Island residency in the form of a copy of your driver’s license, tax return, or lease, which must indicate a Rhode Island address.
  • Background check with fingerprints conducted by the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General. To arrange for this, print out the fingerprint form found on this page under the National Background Check tab and bring the completed form with a $35 fee to the Customer Service Center at:

    4 Howard Avenue
    Cranston, RI 02920
    • If you are out of state, download the forms found on the same page and submit your fingerprints to the Office of the Attorney General. This process includes printing out and completing a fingerprint form, signing a release/disclaimer form and having it notarized, and sending it along with the BCI Certification of Fingerprints form that has been completed by the agency that fingerprinted you. You will also need to submit a copy of a valid form of photo identification and a check for $35. Mail the packet to:        

Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General
Attn: Fingerprint Department
4 Howard Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920

  • License verification. If the state where you held a license participates with the NURSYS process then submit a request for verification to be sent to Rhode Island’s Department of Health. Nurses holding licenses at non-NURSYS-participating states need to print out an Interstate Verification form, complete it, and request that the licensing authority in your state use it to verify your license. This form should be sent to:

Department of Health
Three Capitol Hill – Room 103
Providence, RI 02908-5097

How to renew your Rhode Island nursing license

Step 1: When to submit your renewal application

Rhode Island’s nursing licenses are renewed every two years. The fee is $135 and renewal notices are sent out 60 days before the expiration date. 

Step 2: Fulfill continuing competency requirements

Renewal of your Rhode Island registered nursing license requires completion of 10 continuing education hours during every two-year licensing cycle. Of the 10 hours, 2 must be about substance abuse. Additionally, every nurse must complete one hour during their career of CEU training regarding Alzheimer’s disease.

Nurses in Rhode Island can earn free continuing education units on Incredible Health’s website. Once you’ve taken a course, you can immediately access a certificate of course completion for your records. 

Step 3: Submit your renewal application

Registered nursing license renewals are processed on the state’s website.

Rhode Island nursing licensing fees

Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Rhode Island whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to Rhode Island from another state. For more information visit the Rhode Island licensing page.

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

  • NCLEX exam fee: $200
  • Application fee: $135 (RN); $45 (LPN)
  • National criminal background check fee: $35

Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

  • Application fee: $135 (RN); $45 (LPN); $145 (APRN)
  • APRN: CSR registration: $200
  • Temporary permit: $135 (RN); $45 (LPN); $145 (APRN)
  • National criminal background check fee: $35

License renewal fees:

  • Application fee: $135 (RN); $45 (LPN); $145 (APRN); $80 (APRN, no Rx authority)

Rhode Island legislation is pending for becoming a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses. Check the NCSBN site to stay updated.

*Fees are subject to change.

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Continuing education requirements

RN: 10 contact hours every 2 years (2 hours must be in substance abuse)

LPN: 10 contact hours every 2 years (2 hours must be in substance abuse)

APRN: 10 contact hours every 2 years (2 hours must be in substance abuse; maintain national certification)

Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online. The Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education accepts courses that are ANCC accredited. 

How to contact the Rhode Island Board of Nursing

Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education
Phone: (401) 222-5700
or (401) 222-5960
Fax: (401) 222-3352

Website: https://health.ri.gov/licenses/detail.php?id=231

Department of Health
3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908

More Rhode Island Resources

Written by Andi Tailleart

Andi joined Incredible Health in April 2021, after earning her Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology from Arizona State University. She has written for blogs, non-profit organizations, and academic papers. Andi is responsible for editing blog content for the Incredible Health website and thoroughly enjoys helping nurses get the information they need to succeed.

Read more from Andi

Best Hospitals to Work for in Georgia

Career Resources / Job Searching / Best Hospitals Georgia

There are plenty of reasons to live and work in the state of Georgia, especially for nurses and other healthcare professionals. Known as the Peach State, Georgia has the advantage of a low cost of living and a strong economy. The state is rich in history yet future facing: it is home to 18 Fortune 500 companies and 32 Fortune 1000 companies. 

From a recreational perspective, the state boasts a bevy of sports teams to root for and sporting events to attend. Its landscape encompasses everything from mountains to seaside, offering outdoor enthusiasts their pick of scenery and activities, and its residents experience all four seasons, with mild winters. As home to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the state is looked to as a source of health promotion, and this is further supported by the presence of 13 of the 591 facilities that the American Nurses Credentialing Center has identified as Magnet Hospitals, a designation reserved for hospitals that set the gold standard for nursing practice and innovation.

Georgia’s Top Hospital

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Best hospitals in Georgia

In choosing the best hospitals in Georgia, we considered both Magnet Hospital status and the rankings of U.S. News & World Report, which evaluated 172 hospitals in the state of Georgia: thirteen were nationally ranked and many more were noted as high performing in the treatment of specific conditions or in specialty areas. We also took ratings from Medicare and safety watchdog The Leapfrog Group, as well as comments and criticism made by current and previous employees on employment websites like Glassdoor and Indeed.

Emory University Hospital

Emory University Hospital is the flagship downtown Atlanta hospital for Emory Healthcare. The teaching facility is a Magnet Hospital and was ranked Number 1 for both the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta by U.S. News and World Report, which also ranked it nationally in 5 specialties. The hospital earned four star ratings for both overall performance and patient experience from Medicare.

Notably, of the 13 facilities in the state that received Magnet Status designation, 5 of them are part of Emory Healthcare. The other Emory facilities recognized by the ANCC for nursing excellence are Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital, Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Institute, and the Emory Clinic, the first ambulatory practice in Georgia to achieve this recognition. The hospitals of the system and the system itself have received numerous awards, including having been named a top ten most trusted health system brand in the United States by the American Hospital Association and the Society of Health Care Strategy & Market Development.

Notable facts about Emory University Hospital include:

  • General medical and surgical facility and teaching hospital
  • Located in Atlanta, Georgia
  • Part of Emory Health, the state’s most extensive health care system, including 11 hospitals, the Emory Clinic, and more than 250 provider locations
  • Number of employees: 24,000+ across the organization

St. Joseph’s Hospital/Candler Hospital

St. Joseph’s Hospital and Candler Hospitals are the two anchor hospitals of St. Joseph’s Candler Health System. They each rank among the oldest continuously operating hospitals in the United States, and each has achieved Magnet Hospital status, with the distinction of receiving the designation five times since 2002. The two entered a joint operating agreement in 1997, to form the Savannah area’s largest healthcare provider. 

U.S. News & World Report ranked Candler Hospital High Performing in three adult procedures and conditions and ranked St. Joseph’s Hospital High Performing in five adult procedures and conditions. The health system has received numerous awards, including the American Heart Association’s Get With the Guidelines Gold Award for Stroke.

Notable facts about St. Joseph’s Candler include:

  • Not-for-profit hospitals
  • Located in Savannah, Georgia
  • Hospitals make up St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System
  • Number of nurses: 1,200+ across the system

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is a freestanding pediatric healthcare system made up of three hospitals: of the three, two have achieved Magnet status: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston and Children’s Healthcare of Scottish Rite. U.S. News & World Report ranked the system as a whole nationally in ten children’s specialties and #1 in both Georgia and the Southeast. 

The system has won numerous awards and recognitions, including The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval, recognition among the Best Places to Work in IT from Insider Pro and Computerworld, and being named a Best Companies for Working Moms by Monster.com.

Notable facts about Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta include:

  • Comprehensive pediatric hospitals
  • Located in Atlanta, Georgia
  • Pediatric healthcare system with three hospitals and numerous neighborhood providers
  • Number of employees: 11,000 across the system
  • Number of nurses: More than 3,500 across the system

Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center

A Magnet Hospital, Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center has also distinguished itself in the eyes of U.S. News & World Report, which rated the facility as high performing in eight adult procedures and conditions. A teaching hospital and Level 1 Trauma Center, The Medical Center is the second largest hospital in Georgia. It has received numerous awards, including a Most Wired Award from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives.

Notable facts about Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center include:

  • Academic medical center and Level 1 Trauma Center
  • Located in Macon, Georgia
  • Part of Atrium Health Navicent
  • Number of employees: 4,500

Piedmont Augusta Hospital

Ranked 9th best hospital in Georgia, #1 in Augusta, and high performing in nine adult procedures and conditions by U.S. News & World Report, Piedmont Augusta Hospital has also distinguished itself in the eyes of the ANCC, which awarded it Magnet Status. The hospital was known as University Hospital Augusta until March of 2022. The hospital has earned many awards, including having won an “A” safety grade from The Leapfrog Group fifteen times.

Notable facts about Piedmont August Hospital include:

  • Nonprofit fully private hospital
  • Located in Augusta, Georgia
  • Part of University Health Care System
  • Number of employees: 4,138

Wellstar Paulding Hospital

Ranked high performing in five adult procedures and conditions by U.S. News & World Report, Wellstar Paulding Hospital is a Magnet Hospital that has also been recognized by Healthgrades for their Patient Safety Excellence Award™ and Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™. 

The hospital received a four-star overall performance rating from Medicare, an “A” safety grade from The Leapfrog Group, and has received numerous awards, including the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the Emergency Nurses Association’s Lantern Award.

Notable facts about Wellstar Paulding Hospital include:

  • Community hospital providing inpatient and outpatient care and emergency services 
  • Located in Hiram, Georgia
  • Part of Wellstar Health System
  • Number of employees: 1,000

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What makes a top hospital in Georgia?

There are many things that hospitals do to make themselves standout. Though the most obvious factor is quality of care, Georgia hospitals also distinguish themselves by focusing on patient and employee satisfaction, and by nurturing employee wellbeing.

Benefits

Every high quality organization recognizes that their employees are their most valuable assets. When it comes to attracting and retaining top tier talent, salary is just a starting point: today’s healthcare organizations need to provide employees generous and innovative benefits. Each facility has its own unique offerings, but some of the more creative elements being added to paid time off, sick leave, and health insurance include concierge services, on-site day care, and flexible schedules.

Growth opportunity

People enter the nursing profession at different times of their lives, and their career and educational decisions are often driven by their life circumstances. Nurses who are interested in moving into a higher-paid position or having greater independence and authority know that the best hospitals in Georgia offer them the opportunity to continue learning and growing.

Employee satisfaction

Nurses are compassionate, patient, and dedicated, but the job is undeniably stressful, and the last few years have taken an emotional toll. Hospitals whose administrators are empathetic have taken steps to support their nursing staff, offering a variety of solutions designed to ease the impact of nurse burnout.

High patient satisfaction

There are few things that can inspire a nurse like working for an employer they can be proud of. Beyond the care that’s provided and the number of patients seen, a recent survey showed that healthcare professionals value having colleagues that they enjoy being with and knowing that the work they do makes a difference. Other drivers of employee satisfaction include a strong leadership team and a positive workplace culture. Notably, studies have confirmed a link between employee satisfaction and patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Other factors that make a top hospital

A hospital is a place for care as well as an integral part of their neighborhood. The best hospitals take both of these roles seriously, constantly working to improve outcomes, increase safety for patients and staff alike, and to invest in both their own infrastructure and equipment and in the needs of the surrounding community.

Safety record is critical

Attention to safety is in the best interest of a hospital’s patients as well as its employees. Hospitals that dedicate themselves to preventing errors, accidents, infections, and injuries are recognized for their high-quality care and diligence.

Hospital policies focus on customer services

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, healthcare spending represents 19.7% of America’s GDP, averaging $12,530 per person. With medical care representing such a significant investment, patients are comparing and contrasting, doing research to ensure that they receive the very best care and attention from hospitals. As a result, facilities are paying more attention to their patients – and their patients’ families – as consumers, working to improve service levels and overall satisfaction.

Latest technology and training improve healthcare

Hospitals need to keep their facilities up-to-date in terms of the equipment and medical devices they use to provide care, as well as in their physical plant and their infrastructure. A clean, modern, high-tech environment helps employees do their jobs and sends a strong message that quality-of-care matters.

Ethics leads the way

From the first time that the directive “Do no harm” was used, medicine has been a values-driven profession. Today’s hospitals are constantly faced with ethical dilemmas that make having strong and clearly defined values essential. A hospital’s moral philosophy is evident in the way that they treat their patients, their staff, and their surrounding community.

Next steps

Even in the face of a national shortage, landing the perfect nursing position is no easy task: it’s a job in itself, and that’s the way you should approach it. Dedication, organization, and persistence will all take you from identifying the Georgia hospitals you’d most like to work for to putting yourself in the best position to be hired.

Build your resume

Your resume is the building block around which your hiring journey will be built. Make sure that it is concise and easy to read. Your resume speaks for you before you have the chance to speak for yourself, so don’t be shy about using action words that convince anybody reading it of your competence and strengths. The most effective resumes are well organized and contain your contact information, a personal statement that reflects your goals, your work experience, educational history, and your skills.

Join a nurses’ association

Networking is one of the most effective ways of hearing about open positions and getting your foot in the door for an interview. Though joining a union is not for everybody,  professional nurses’ associations like the Georgia Nurses’ Association can be particularly helpful in helping learn the lay of the land and meeting the people who can be of the most help.

Attend industry educational conferences and workshops

Educational conferences and workshops represent another excellent networking opportunity, with the added bonus of exposing you to new skills and research. If you have Georgia-specific questions and you’re unable to attend a conference, Incredible Health’s helpful community is always happy to provide answers and valuable information.

Keep up with continuing education requirements

Each state has its own continuing education requirements for nurses, as well as its own criteria and processes for licensing. Incredible Health provides you with the most up-to-date information on Georgia’s expectations of its nurse professionals, as well as free continuing education classes that are accredited, easily accessed online, and which provide you with a certifying document as soon as you’ve completed the course.

Search for job openings

Once you’ve crafted a professional resume and prepared yourself for interviewers’ questions, you still need to find job openings that you find appealing and for which you qualify. There are plenty of job boards around, and you can always visit each hospital’s careers page to check for new openings, but Incredible Health offers an entirely different way to search that brings employers directly to you. Our process lets you create and post a professional profile listing your qualifications as well as the type of position you’re looking for, then let hiring managers find you and compete with one another to hire you. It eliminates stress and effort and is proven to expedite the process..

Transfer your nursing license to Georgia

If your current nursing license comes from another state, then switching to a job at one of Georgia’s best hospitals is going to require completing some paperwork. Transferring your license isn’t hard if you know what to do. Georgia is a nursing compact state, which generally makes things much easier.

Sources

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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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