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Career Resources / Job Searching / Best Hospitals Utah

With five national parks, world-class ballet and theater in Salt Lake City, and the home of the Sundance Film Festival, Utah may be a great option to work as a nurse. To help you find your dream job in this state, we’ve listed the best hospitals to work for in Utah. 

Best Hospitals in Utah

Our list is based on information provided by U.S. News & World Report. We also considered other ratings, including those from Medicare and The Leapfrog Group.

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Central Valley Medical Center

Central Valley Medical Center (CVMC) is rated high performing in hip fracture by U.S. News & World Report and has a five-star patient survey rating from the federal government.

The hospital was included on the list of best hospitals for patient experience in the Western United States by Becker’s Hospital Review in 2022. It was also accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine in 2018.

Learn more about Central Valley Medical Center:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Nephi, Utah
• Hospital network: four facilities 

Garfield Memorial Hospital

Garfield Memorial Hospital, a member of the Intermountain Healthcare system, has an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group for its hospital safety.

In 2021, the institution was awarded the Guardian of Excellence Award for the Emergency Room, the Pinnacle of Excellence Award in Patient Experience for the Emergency Room, and the Pinnacle of Excellence Award in Patient Experience with Outpatient Services from Press Ganey.

Learn more about Garfield Memorial Hospital:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Panguitch, Utah
• Hospital network: five facilities

Intermountain Medical Center

Intermountain Medical Center is ranked No. 2 in Utah, and is rated high performing in pulmonology and lung surgery, as well as several procedures or conditions, such as heart attack, diabetes and maternity care, by U.S. News & World Report.

In 2021, the organization received an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group for its hospital safety and it has a five-star rating from the federal government.

Learn more about Intermountain Medical Center:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Murray, Utah
• Hospital network: five facilities 
• Employees: 41,000+ (across the entire network)

Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital

Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital is rated high performing in various procedures or conditions, including heart attack, kidney failure and stroke, by U.S. News & World Report. 

The hospital, previously known as Dixie Regional Medical Center (DRMC) , has a five-star rating from the federal government and an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group.

In 2022, the facility won the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader designation and the Patient Safety Excellence Award from Healthgrades.

Learn more about Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: St. George, Utah
• Hospital network: five facilities 
• Employees: 41,000+ (across the entire network)

Lone Peak Hospital

Lone Peak Hospital, a member of the MountainStar Healthcare network, is rated high performing in back surgery by U.S. News & World Report. It also has a four-star rating from the federal government.

In 2022, the facility was recognized as one of the top hospitals in the country for obstetrics and emergency care by the Women’s Choice Award. In the previous year, it was one of the Fortune/IBM Watson Health 100 Top Hospitals for its excellent clinical, operational and financial metrics.

Learn more about Lone Peak Hospital:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Draper, Utah
• Hospital network: eight facilities

Timpanogos Regional Hospital

Timpanogos Regional Hospital is the only Magnet hospital on this list, indicating that it’s an organization focused on structure and processes, with a transformational leadership approach, among other features. The facility also has a four-star rating from the federal government. 

The organization was named one of the Fortune/IBM Watson Health 100 Top Hospitals in 2020 and, the same year, received the Outstanding Patient Experience Award from Healthgrades.

Learn more about Timpanogos Regional Hospital:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Orem, Utah
• Hospital network: eight facilities 
• Employees: 700+

University of Utah Hospital

The University of Utah Hospital is ranked No. 1 in Utah and No. 2 nationally in cancer and ophthalmology by U.S. News & World Report.

The hospital also received the Quality Leadership Award for its high “performance on the quality of patient care in safety” from the Vizient Quality and Accountability Ranking in 2021. The same year, it was named one of the best employers for diversity by Forbes.

The government gave it a five-star rating.

Learn more about Bristol Hospital:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Salt Lake, Utah
• Hospital network: five facilities 
• Employees: 8,000+
• Nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:2

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What makes a best hospital in Utah

The attributes of high-performing hospitals, such as employee benefits and job opportunities, make them more competitive and increase their performance.

Benefits

A high salary makes a great difference, but it’s not the only way top hospitals compensate their employees. They also invest in benefits, such as health care coverage, retirement plans, and staff parental leave.

Growth opportunity

The best hospitals, in general, can also help you grow your career. As a registered nurse (RN), for example, you can specialize as a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). Being a nurse practitioner (NP) is another good option.

Employee satisfaction

Employees who are satisfied provide better patient care and stay with the same employer for a longer period of time compared to those who aren’t satisfied, according to Forbes. Also, motivated nurses are usually less likely to experience job fatigue and burnout.

High patient satisfaction

Patient satisfaction has received considerable attention as an attribute of a successful health organization. It’s about the level of happiness that the patients experience while using the service.

Other factors that make a top hospital

A hospital’s safety practices, customer approach, and other features also contribute to its success. Keep reading to find out more.

Safety record is critical

In a healthcare facility, there are many “hospital-acquired” conditions or infections, but most of them can be prevented through safety initiatives, like patient education and verification of medical procedures.

Hospital policies focus on customer services 

When a patient faces a medical emergency, in most cases the predominant feeling is vulnerability. For a hospital to be successful, it must listen to its patients and make them its top priority.

Latest technology and training improve healthcare

It is more and more common to use medical wearables and other services, like mobile health apps and 3D printing, to personalize the experience and focus even more on the patient.

Ethics lead the way

In real life, autonomy and complex scenarios pose challenges to the practice of ethics. Choose a high-performing hospital to work for and always have ethical values guiding you.

Next steps

Working at one of these Utah hospitals can boost your career, no matter how long ago you earned your nursing degree. But it’s necessary to follow some fundamental steps, such as maintaining a satisfactory level of education and skills. Here’s what you need to know:

Build your resume

A nursing resume has specific guidelines that go beyond formatting. Our guide will help you write a summary, an experience section, and credential fields, among other subjects.

Join a nurses association

Another step you can take to achieve your dream job is to join a nursing organization. You can find mentors and specialists in these associations. Alternatively, if you prefer to advocate for your rights and salary, join a nursing union.

Attend industry educational conferences and workshops

Additionally, it’s important  to strive to be a complete healthcare professional. One way to do this is to attend nursing conferences, where you can learn about the latest treatments and methods. Check out our advice section for more tips on what workshops and events to attend.

Keep up with continuing education requirements

One of the education requirements in Utah for nurses, whether you’re a RN, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), is having 30 contact hours every two years with Continuing Education Units (CEU) courses. 

We provide you with free Utah CEU courses. Sign up now to access them!

Search for job openings

If you want to be more efficient while searching for job openings, consider creating an account on Incredible Health. We help RNs and NPs get matched with their dream job in only 15 days. 

Transfer your nursing license to Utah

Utah is a compact state. This means that if you’re from a noncompact state, you’ll need a multistate nursing license. 

Read our guide to learn the basic steps for transferring your nursing license.

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Career Resources / Job Searching / Best Hospitals Idaho

When you hear the name “Idaho,” chances are you think of delicious, starchy potatoes. But Idaho has so much more to offer than that! It is a beautiful state, home to dense forests, rolling hills, great fishing opportunities, and top hospitals. So if you love both your career and the outdoors, make sure Idaho is on your list to check out for your next nursing job. 

In this article, you’ll read about the top hospitals in Idaho, which provide fantastic health care, many opportunities for career growth, and treat their employees very well. 

Best hospitals in Idaho

Idaho has two Magnet hospitals in the state, the “gold standard” for hospitals. Other hospitals strive to follow in the Magnet footsteps, which have been listed as well. 

1. Benewah Community Hospital
2. Bingham Memorial Hospital
3. Kootenai Health
4. St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center
5. St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center

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1. Benewah Community Hospital

Benewah Community Hospital is a general medical and surgical facility. Although not a Magnet®️ Hospital, it provides Work of Heart Scholarships for the fall semester, which help two local certified nursing assistants or licensed practical nurses to complete RN degrees while working part-time at the hospital. 

Learn more about Benewah Community Hospital:

• Administration: Non-profit
• Hospital Type: General medical and Surgical Facility
• Location: Saint Maries, Idaho

2. Bingham Memorial Hospital

The flagship facility of Bingham Health, Bingham Memorial Hospital is a general medical and surgical facility. Even though it’s not a Magnet®️ Hospital, it has been rated well for staff responsiveness and cleanliness.

Learn more about Bingham Memorial Hospital:

• Administration: Non-profit
• Hospital Type: General medical and surgical facility
• Location: Blackfoot, Idaho

3. Kootenai Health

Kootenai Health is one of the two Magnet®️ Hospitals in the state. According to US news, the healthcare system is high-performing in cancer treatment and cardiology among others. 

Kootenai Health is the largest employer in northern Idaho, with over 3,000 employees. Gallun Inc. has recognized it as one of the most engaged and productive workforces in the world. In addition to that, this Magnet® hospital was also cited in the “150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare” list by Becker’s Healthcare. 

Learn more about Kootenai Health: 

• Administration: Non-profit
• Hospital Type: General medical and Surgical Facility
• Location: Coeur D’Alene, Idaho
• Employees: 3,000+

4. St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center

Ranked #2 in Boise by US News, St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center is also named 2nd among the best hospital in the state even though it has not yet achieved its Magnet®️ status. 

Learn more about St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center:

• Administration: Non-profit
• Hospital Type: General medical and Surgical Facility
• Location: Boise, Idaho

5. St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center

St. Luke’s Boise is Idaho’s largest healthcare provider and the flagship hospital of St. Luke’s Health System. US News has recognized it as the Number 1 hospital in Idaho. It has also been cited as high-performing in 2 adult specialties and 17 conditions and procedures. This is why it is one of the Magnet®️ Hospitals in the state.

Learn more about St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center: 

• Administration: Non-profit
• Hospital Type: General medical and Surgical Facility
• Location: Boise, Idaho
• Employees: 14,000 (St. Luke’s Healthcare System)

What makes a best hospital in Idaho

Top hospitals maintain specific standards to keeptheir reputation.To choose the best hospital to work for in Idaho, one needs to know what qualities build the foundation of a high-ranking hospital. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of those qualities. 

Benefits

Nursing is a noble job. Still, making ends meet is essential. Top hospitals earn high revenue, providing employees with much-needed financial stability. 

And yet, as important as salary is, top hospitals also offer other benefits like paid vacation, sick leave, financial assistance for homebuyers, discounts, and tuition to attract the best talents. 

Growth opportunity

Hospitals that have excellent reputations in healthcare facilitate advanced research in the field of medicine. This way, advanced hospitals provide a lot of room for growth for their employees. Thanks to their high ranks, lack of funds is never an issue. 

But to take advantage of such opportunities, you must focus on frequent upskilling.  Job positions like nurse anesthetists or nurse practitioners are in high demand in top hospitals. These are great options for registered nurses to look into for career growth. 

Employee satisfaction

Satisfied employees lead to a supportive environment in the hospital and top-notch patient care. Thus, high-ranking hospitals focus on employee satisfaction to retain employees and attract new talents. With surplus funds, they offer attractive benefits to their employees. Top hospitals are also equipped to hire a big enough workforce to help their employees avoid burnout. 

Nurses in such hospitals are less likely to experience job fatigue as they have a good work-life balance. Such practices contribute to a healthy work culture, making such hospitals pleasant places to work for. 

High patient satisfaction

According to a report published in the NCBI journal, increased crowding in emergency departments impacts patient satisfaction. More crowding leads to a higher wait time for each patient, compromising the quality of healthcare. 

Top ranking hospitals prevent crowding by providing an ample number of doctors and employees. They focus on giving the best possible treatment to each patient according to their needs. They ensure personalized attention for every patient and provide them with the best health services. 

Increased patient satisfaction also makes it easy for the nurses and other employees to do their job properly. With such high standards, employees of top hospitals feel a sense of pride. 

Other factors that make a top hospital 

While salary and job satisfaction are very important, they’re not the only things that make a top hospital. Here are some other factors that make these hospitals top employers:

Safety record is critical

According to NCBI reports, 1,731 patients hospitalized for 11,297 days acquired 251 hospital-associated infections (HAIs), constituting an overall rate of 14.5%. The report stated that 22.22 HAIs are contracted per 1,000 ICU days. 4% of hospitalized patients contract some kind of HAI, according to CDC reports. 

High-ranking hospitals give utmost priority to providing excellent training to the staff when it comes to healthcare safety measures. They are trained to use proper techniques and sterile conditions during procedures. With proper training at the top hospitals, the risk of infection can be reduced by 80%. 

Hospital policies focus on customer services

While looking for your dream job, look for hospitals that emphasize customer service. Such policies make the patient feel safe and confident in their treatment. Satisfied patients tend to choose the same organization if they need healthcare again. 

Latest technology and training to improve healthcare

Advanced hospitals are open to adopting new technology to stay relevant in the field of medicine. They invest in the best technology to uphold a high standard of health care delivery. 

Such implementation of technology makes the staff’s job much more manageable. It improves the hospital employees’ capabilities in emergencies, offering the patients the latest innovations in medical practices and procedures.

Ethics lead the way

Top hospitals realize that affordability is an important factor in quality healthcare, and they integrate the same philosophy in their administration. As unique values and ethics guide their vision, high-performing hospitals in Idaho have made healthcare affordable and thus accessible for the community. 

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Next steps

Whether  you are a practicing nurse or a recent nursing graduate, working in a top hospital  will advance your skills and take your career to new heights.

Looking for a job in top hospitals without the right strategies in place is a tricky business. Incredible Health has compiled comprehensive guides and resources to make it easier for you to land your dream job in the top hospitals in Idaho.

Build your resume

The same old resume structure will not work for top hospitals. Personalize your resume according to the hospital and job you want. It shows the employer that you are a professional and it will make you stand out among other candidates. 

Point out your most vital skills and knowledge in your resume in a crisp manner. Keep reliable references handy so that the prospective employer can verify your reputation as an employee. Follow this nursing resume guide for more information.

Join a nurses association

As a nurse, there is no better way to find a suitable job than networking. Accessing such networks will build connections with other nurses and bring you multiple opportunities to choose from. Does your state have a nurses union? Join a professional nursing organization without delay. 

Attend industry conferences and workshops

The healthcare industry is rapidly advancing, and frequent upskilling will help you stay relevant. Continuing to learn relevant skills and gain knowledge of new technologies and advanced healthcare techniques will make you stand out. 

Check out top nursing conferences to join. Have questions? Ask here and get answers from top professionals.

Keep up with continuing education requirements

Every state has different requirements when it comes to healthcare. Frequently updating your qualifications is the key to remaining up-to-date with the ever-growing medical field. You can enroll in relevant courses that will add to your expertise. Incredible Health offers free CEU courses. Simply sign up to access them.

Search for job openings

You need a variety of resources to keep up with job openings at top hospitals. Our platform will help you in this endeavor. Just create a profile and never miss a job opening. 

Transfer your nursing license to Idaho

The first step to working in a top hospital in Idaho is to know your options and requirements to practice nursing in that state. If you are moving from a compact state to another compact state, you can transfer your license. But if you are moving to a noncompact state, this guide will help you with the process of transferring your license. 

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Career Resources / Job Searching / Best Hospitals North Dakota

The fantastic air quality, scenic outdoors, and exceptional medical services are some of the factors that make North Dakota the 4th happiest state in the nation. Currently, the state has 38 rural hospitals, 47 general and acute care hospitals, 37 critical access hospitals, two units of Indian Health Services, and three psychiatric facilities, according to the Center for Rural Health. 

The hospitals in the following list are ranked as top hospitals by US News. Whether you are an experienced nurse or a fresh graduate ready to dive right in, these hospitals will prove to be great places to work. 

North Dakota’s Top Hospital

• Altru Health System-Grand Forks
• Ashley Medical Center
• Cavalier County Memorial Hospital and Clinics
• CHI Lisbon Health
• Sanford Medical Center

Best Hospitals in North Dakota

Ranked the 13th healthiest state in the United States, hospitals in North Dakota deliver excellent healthcare to the community. 

1. Altru Health System-Grand Forks
2. Ashley Medical Center
3. Cavalier County Memorial Hospital and Clinics
4. CHI Lisbon Health
5. Sanford Medical Center

Altru Health System-Grand Forks

AHS is an integrated healthcare system that provides acute and home care. It is a high performing hospital that comes second only to Sanford Medical Center. They have been rated highly in 4 adult procedures and also provide general and surgical facilities.

• Administration: Non-profit 
• Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota
• Total Employees: 3,658

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Ashley Medical Center

AMC is a is a general medical and surgical facility. Patients have critical access with a 24/7 emergency room. Further, they also have 2 clinics located in Ashley and Zeeland.

• Administration: Non-profit 
• Location: Ashley, North Dakota
• Total Employees: 51-200

Cavalier County Memorial Hospital and Clinics

CCMH became a ‘Critical Access Hospital Designation’ in 2001. They provide 24-hour emergency rooms, a cardiac care unit and outpatient surgery. They also provide therapy, diagnostic tests, specialists and ambulance services on contract.

• Administration: Non-profit 
• Location: Langdon, North Dakota
• Total no. of hospitals in the system: 47
• Total Employees: 92

CHI Lisbon Health

CHI is a general medical and surgical facility. Their services include gynecology, orthopedics, urology, ENT, and radiology. They also provide emergency rooms and outpatient services.

• Administration: Non-profit 
• Location: Lisbon, North Dakota
• Total no. of hospitals in the system: 142
• Total Employees: 150,000

Sanford Medical Center

Stanford Medical Center Bismarck is considered the region’s home for healthcare. It is North Dakota’s one Magnet®️ hospital, which is the gold standard for hospitals. These hospitals meet certain criteria outlined by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It has been ranked #2 in North Dakota by US News. It has also been cited as high-performing in 9 procedures. Currently, the healthcare organization includes 47 hospitals and 158 skilled nursing and rehab facilities. 

• Administration: Non-profit 
• Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
• Total no. of hospitals in the system: 47
• Total Employees: 47,757 

What makes the best hospital in North Dakota

Eminent hospitals always have some common aspects that lead to their success. They adapt to change, focus on employee satisfaction, and adhere to strict ethics and regulations. Here are some of the qualities that enable these hospitals to retain their ranking as top hospitals: 

Benefits

Top hospitals do exceptionally well in terms of revenue.  Employees of such hospitals enjoy not only a handsome salary but also other benefits. These include wellness initiatives, vacation days, paid leaves, insurance, and more. Such rewarding incentives contribute to job satisfaction and compensate for the nurses’ hectic and noble responsibilities.

Growth opportunity

If you aspire to grow in the medical field, top-ranking hospitals are the way to go. Reputed and high-performing hospitals have a constant flow of funds, so they are well equipped to provide attractive opportunities for their employees. Work experience in a distinguished healthcare facility will open up many doors for your further professional growth 

If you are already a part of the healthcare world and looking to venture into newer and better opportunities, frequent upskilling is a necessity. In the last few years, there has been a significant rise in demand for nursing anesthetists and nurse practitioners that may be worth checking out. 

Employee satisfaction

Distinguished hospitals ensure employee satisfaction by placing the right strategies into action. They provide competitive wages, expanding benefits, , and an adequate number of employees to allow their employees a healthy work-life balance. Thus, staff of high-ranking hospitals successfully avoid stress and burnout.

With such good practices in place, employees feel happier in their job. Even with bigger responsibilities as a nurse, you won’t feel compassion fatigue. 

High patient satisfaction

One of the key aspects of gaining a positive position in the healthcare industry is high customer satisfaction. High-ranking hospitals are equipped to handle bigger crowds of patients without letting the emergency rooms get overcrowded. The patients quickly get necessary medical attention, adding to their satisfaction. 

When the patients feel safe and satisfied with their treatment, it can make the employees’ job much easier, and they can enjoy a sense of pride in their organization.

Other factors that make a top hospital 

Here are some additional factors that take these hospitals from good employers to the best employers:

Safety record is critical

According to the CDC, almost 1.7 million people get infected with healthcare-associated infections (HAI) every year. This also leads to about 99,000 deaths each year.

To avoid this,employees of prestigious hospitals learn to use proper techniques and sterile conditions during procedures. This way, the risk of HAIs reduces by 80%. 

Hospital policies focus on customer services 

Patients are happier when they receive personalized care, and high-ranking hospitals focus on that. 

Customer-centric policies make the patients feel confident in their vulnerability. Satisfied and happy patients make it easier for the nurses and other staff to do their jobs properly. 

Latest technology and training to improve healthcare

Investing in cutting-edge technology drives the constant success of reputed hospitals. The staff is trained to handle the technology to serve the patients better. 

As an employee of such a hospital, you get to learn new skills and get familiar with high-quality technology.

Ethics lead the way

In a top-ranking hospital, both employees and patients expect to receive the best treatment, which is why top-ranking hospitals are very serious when it comes to values and ethics. Nurses deliver quality health care regardless of external factors, like race or culture, and take pride in their work. Patients, as a result, are happier with their care. 

Next steps

Looking for a job without knowing the right path to take can be a daunting task. These comprehensive guides and resources will assist you in your journey to find the right employer. 

Build your resume

A top hospital goes through thousands of resumes every day. So what can you do to set yourself apart from the crowd? 

The first step to that is to personalize your resume. Identify your strengths and highlight them in your CV. Make it a point to mention your hard-earned accredited certificates and qualifications. Keep a  list of solid references handy who  will endorse your skills as a healthcare employee. You can follow this nursing resume guide and structure a crisp resume to kickstart your way as a nurse at a top hospital.

Join a nurses association

The best idea to gain access to the top job openings is to join professional nursing organizations. But before joining  consider the pros and cons of a nursing union. Find the one that suits your aspirations and join it as soon as possible. 

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Attend industry conferences and workshops

Joining different nursing conferences in your state will help you build connections in the community. Being part of the network will open up doors to the advice of experienced nurses in North Dakota. This way, you can learn and stay up-to-date with the new trends in the healthcare industry.

Keep up with continuing education requirements

The healthcare industry is rapidly advancing and you should do your best to keep up with it. Constantly updating your qualifications by enrolling in new courses and additional certificates will make you stand out in the crowd.

But every state has its own set of qualification requirements. Incredible Health offers excellent CEU courses that are free! Sign up to enroll now. 

Search for job openings

Landing your dream nursing job without properly keeping track of various job openings at eminent hospitals is impossible. With Incredible Health,  you can easily navigate through various nursing jobs at top  hospitals. Just create a profile and choose the suitable hospital to apply to.

Transfer your nursing license to North Dakota

If you are out of state and want to work in North Dakota, learn your options. Some states require you to transfer your nursing license while some are nursing compact states. 

Career Resources / Job Searching / Best Hospitals Kentucky

Kentucky: home to the Kentucky Derby, 95% of the world’s bourbon production, and some pretty great hospitals that are dedicated to providing quality care for their nursing staff. 

Each hospital on the below list has been designated as a Magnet hospital, according to the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)’s criteria. A Magnet hospital promotes patient and staff satisfaction, and this honor is bestowed to only 9.3% of hospitals in the country.

Here are some of the top hospitals in Kentucky that are focused on delivering excellence in healthcare. 

Best hospitals in Kentucky 

The following list of Magnet hospitals has been rated 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 compile these rankings.

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Baptist Health Lexington

Baptist Health Lexington is regionally ranked number 3 in Kentucky and rated as high-performing in 10 adult procedures and conditions by the U.S. News & World Report. The federal government has given it 4 out of 5 stars. It also has been honored with the Leapfrog Group top rating of “A” in hospital safety for 9 consecutive years.

Learn more about Baptist Health Lexington:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Lexington, KY
• Hospital network: 8 locations
• Physicians: 500

Baptist Health Louisville

Baptist Health Louisville is a 519-bed hospital that offers a wide range of healthcare services. It is regionally ranked number 4 in Kentucky and number 1 in Louisville, and it is also rated as high-performing in 9 adult procedures and conditions, including Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair, Colon Cancer Surgery, and Diabetes by the U.S. News & World Report. It has been given 3 out of 5 stars from the federal government. This hospital is also a 10-time recipient of the Best Places to Work in Kentucky designation.

Learn more about Baptist Health Louisville:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Louisville, KY
• Hospital network: 8 locations

St. Elizabeth Florence Hospital

Founded with one small hospital in 1861, St. Elizabeth is now a regional healthcare leader in Northern Kentucky. This hospital is rated as high-performing in 5 adult procedures and conditions such as Heart Failure, Diabetes, and Pneumonia by the U.S. News & World Report. The federal government has given it 4 out of 5 stars. This hospital has also been awarded the 2021 Women’s Choice Awards for America’s Best Hospitals for Bariatric Surgery.

Learn more about St. Elizabeth Florence:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Florence, KY
• Hospital network: 1 location
• Physicians: 1,600

St. Elizabeth Fort Thomas Hospital

As part of Northern Kentucky’s St. Elizabeth healthcare system, the Fort Thomas Hospital is a 332 bed full-service hospital featuring 24/7 emergency care. This hospital is rated as high-performing in 4 adult procedures and conditions by the U.S. News & World Report: Heart Failure, Kidney Failure, Hip Fracture, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It has received 3 out of 5 stars from the federal government. This institution was awarded the Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ in 2022 from America’s Best Hospitals.

Learn more about St. Elizabeth Fort Thomas:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Fort Thomas, KY
• Hospital network: 1 location
• Physicians: 1,200

UK Healthcare

UK HealthCare is a network of hospitals and clinics, as well as an academic research institution. It has received a high-performing designation and ranks in 4 adult specialties and 10 common adult procedures and conditions, including Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Heart Bypass Surgery, and Stroke, by the U.S. News & World Report. It made the Best Doctors in America List for the year 2019.

Learn more about UK Healthcare:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Lexington, KY
• Hospital network: 41 locations
• Employees: 9,000

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

What makes a best hospital in Kentucky

With impressive designations and accreditations, these top hospitals in Kentucky also offer enticing benefits, growth opportunities, and overall satisfaction for both patients and staff.

Benefits

When employers focus on benefits other than salary, this attracts potential employees. These worthwhile benefits often include vacation and sick leave, discounts, financial assistance for homebuyers, tuition assistance, wellness programs, and more. 

Growth opportunity

Many who begin as RN nurses may want to further their education for higher salary and more responsibilities. Career growth opportunities are a valuable benefit in healthcare. From becoming a nurse anesthetist (CRNA) to a nurse practitioner, there are many options for advancement.

Employee satisfaction

Employers with high employee satisfaction rates are more appealing to new employees. These environments are typically more positive for nurses to work in. When employees are content, they’re less likely to deal with issues such as job fatigue or burnout, which both have a negative impact.

High patient satisfaction 

When employees in healthcare are satisfied, patients usually are as well. Patient satisfaction is key in this industry, since it’s so customer-focused. When the work environment is positive and there are happy employees, patients have more positive outcomes.

Other factors that make a top hospital 

There are other important elements to being a top hospital, such as safety records, customer service-based practices, advancements in technology, and ethics.

Safety record is critical

Top hospitals tend to be more dedicated to safety practices. When these institutions focus on cleanliness, emergency situations, and other important safety measures, they are considered to be of the utmost quality. Healthcare systems that are committed to safety records and standards create an environment rooted in wellness. 

Hospital policies focus on customer services 

As a customer service industry, hospitals should have the patients’ health and best interests in mind.  When hospitals demonstrate their care for patients, they foster a positive environment for staff as well.

Latest technology and training improve healthcare

Technology is ever-changing and growing, so it’s important for hospitals to stay up-to-date on these new practices. Not only can technological training and implementations benefit staff, but it can improve certain diagnostics and treatments for patients, also. The top hospitals in Kentucky that devote themselves to advancements in tech are considered to have a higher standard.

Ethics lead the way

Leading with ethics is valuable in a healthcare setting. Whether that’s working to create affordable medical practices or connecting with patients regardless of their background, it is important for hospitals to guide with morality.

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Next steps

Whether you’re a more experienced nurse or have just recently graduated, using your nursing expertise to work in one of the above-listed Kentucky hospitals may help to elevate your skills and career aspirations.

It can be daunting to look for a job without the right strategies. Incredible Health has easy guides on how to land your dream job as a nurse in one of Kentucky’s top hospitals.

Build your resume

When you want to stand out among the other job candidates, you should personalize your resume for the hospital and particular job. Emphasize your certifications while highlighting your relevant skills and knowledge that will set you apart. It’s also vital to have solid references who can speak to your abilities and quality of work.

Join a nurses association

There are plenty of opportunities to connect with other nurses and gain access to networking and job opportunities with nurses associations. Check to see if your state has a nurses union, and consider the pros and cons of joining one.

Attend industry educational conferences and workshops. 

With rapid advancements in the healthcare system, you should continue learning relevant skills for the job. These can include new techniques and technology that help you to stand out. Attend nursing conferences to connect with other professionals, especially ones who can answer your questions and offer advice.

Keep up with continuing education requirements

Each state has their own education requirements, so it’s good practice to stay in the know. Incredible Health offers free CEU courses for different states, including Kentucky. Sign up for a profile to access them now and read up on Kentucky’s licensing requirements.

Search for job openings

With a variety of resources, including our platform, you can find the right openings for nursing opportunities at the hospitals listed above or elsewhere in Kentucky. If you’re interested, you can create a profile and have hospitals apply to you!

Transfer your nursing license to Kentucky

If you’re looking to transfer to a Kentucky hospital from out of state, you should learn your options. If you’re coming from a compact state to work in another compact state, the process is easier and more straightforward. For noncompact states, however, there are other things to keep in mind. Here is  a guide on the whole process.

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