Assessing elements like opportunities for professional development, exceptional benefits, compensation, activities, efficient workflow and employee satisfaction , our editors have compiled a list of hospitals in alphabetical order that offer the best working environments in the United States. Bailey Medical Center – Owasso, OK BMC has been recognized as one of the top places to work in healthcare and has upheld that title with its enhanced benefits package for its employees. Benefits at BMC were built to “promote the physical, emotional and financial well being” of employees, covering health and life insurance, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, relocation assistance, cash employee referral bonuses, and more. Employees point to a “warm and friendly ambiance,” a “great sense of loyalty” among staff members, and co-workers “working well together to ensure the patient gets the very best care” as to why it’s such a great place to work. More reasons to work at Bailey Medical Center: BMC has ties with companies like Verizon, Dell, Hertz, United Van Lines and more that allow its employees to receive discounts on purchases through these companies Certain BMC positions are eligible for a sign-on bonus, and Special incentives for returning employees allow former staff members to return with the ability to restore their retirement fund “match” contribution, as well as accrued paid time off. Baptist Medical Center – Jacksonville, FL Work-life balance is something that employees at Baptist Medical Center can feel good about, and it’s one of the things that this organization prides itself on providing for its employees. BMC, located in the northeastern part of The Sunshine State, promotes its unique benefits to find that balance through programs like assisted housing, flexible shifts and schedules, on-site banking, fitness centers, tuition reimbursement and free tax preparation for employees. The staff also has the opportunity to give back to the community through local programs they sponsor, like youth health screenings and mentoring, public education events and services for under-served populations in northeast Florida. With annual service awards that honor employees’ dedication and commitment to the organization, along with celebrations for healthcare holidays and other events, Baptist Medical Center gives its employees good reason to be happy at work. More reasons to work at Baptist Medical Center: Free parking, shuttle service to the medical facility and discount tickets for public transportation systems is available for all staff Employees that are first-time homebuyers can get up to $5,000 and homebuyers education courses, and Annual service awards are presented to employees for every five years of service. Baptist Health South Florida – Coral Gables, FL The leadership and management team at Baptist Health South Florida calls this hospital “the best place to be your best,”and is committed to fostering teamwork to promote patient-centered care. The corporate culture at this facility is one of “quality, excellence and service” which encourages all employees to achieve their best. With a Career Services center that offers confidential consultations, self-assessment programs, resume writing and job interview advice, as well as tuition reimbursement and scholarship opportunities, employees have great tools at hand to grow professionally. Employees call their experience “a great learning and growing experience” with “high ethical standards.” More reasons to work at Baptist Health South Florida: Baptist Health University offers continuing education courses — over 1,000 online courses and 500 classroom courses are offered to date The “Promote from Within” policy and the “Grow our Own” initiative improve staff retention, and The Baptist Health Green Team runs an initiative called “Greening our Future” to identify areas in which BH can improve the environment. Emory University Hospital – Atlanta, GA This academic healthcare system has been recognized as one of the “Top Workplaces in 2011” by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and one of Atlanta’s Healthiest Employers by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. The hospital offers free wellness services and discounts to area fitness facilities, as well as discounts for childcare and eldercare services. Employees are also eligible for substantial tuition reimbursement through the Employer Education Plan, allowing for up to 18 course credits to be taken per calendar year, and are encouraged to embark on their own research projects for personal and professional development. Acceptance of different cultures and diversity is also an important component of the work environment and quality of care for their patients. In fact, one employee says that Emory Healthcare is “like a little United Nations. You see people here from all walks of life. It really creates an atmosphere of diversity.” More reasons to work at Emory University Hospital: The retirement savings plan includes a 2% employer contribution, even if employees are not contributing to the fund on their own The special New Grad Nursing program helps students transition into full-time professionals through placement in one of three different residency programs, and Emory Healthcare currently employs 286 Veterans and is committed to supporting and employing those who have been a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. Johns Hopkins Hospital – Baltimore, MD Aside from its strong reputation as a leader in healthcare, employees of this hospital system are offered a wide range of benefits and “unlimited opportunities for personal and professional growth”. JHH is committed to their employees’ educational growth, and offer learning opportunities through tuition assistance, job training programs, team development classes, and skills enhancement programs. Employees point to some of the many outstanding professional perks at JHH, such as “good benefits package, flexible schedule, plenty of resources and good job security.” New staff members at Johns Hopkins also view the relationship with senior level employees as one of the best ways they learn on the job: “Mentorship is wonderful; my mentor takes time to explain to me how I should do a better job and gives me great constructive criticism.” More reasons to work at Johns Hopkins Hospital: Relocation assistance is available to qualified RNs moving to Baltimore Healthy@Hopkins Rewards Program offers incentives for those enrolled to reach optimum health — up to $520/year for full-time employees, and Project REACH/Community Education Programs gives staff the opportunity to work with area youth, giving them access and exposure to careers in healthcare, as well as training opportunities to promote post-secondary education and employment. Lehigh Valley Hospital – Allentown, PA Full-time employees at LVH are rewarded for their hard work and dedication to patient care with great benefits like free health insurance and a $700 “Culture of Wellness” benefit they can use at their discretion for exercise and fitness programs, weight-loss programs, massage therapy and more. With a strong mission and set of values, as well as their “PRIDE” behaviors (Privacy, Respect, Involvement, Dignity and Empathy), Lehigh Valley Hospital sets up a culture for success for all of its staff. Employees are also encouraged to take part in their Professional and Leadership Development Program which has training for all employees, including physicians and clinical leaders. More reasons to work at Lehigh Valley Hospital: CheckUp Magazine is issued monthly for employees and highlights upcoming health network events, new procedures, more efficient processes, new services and their monthly “Service Star” A “Shared Success Plan” pays cash rewards to all eligible employees when patient satisfaction and financial goals are achieved, and New Employee Orientation and Veteran Employee Orientation allow everyone to learn and be reminded of the values and culture of the organization. Lexington Medical Center – West Columbia, SC Voted as one of the “Best Places to Work” by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, this healthcare facility provides more than just the “basic” benefits, like retirement plans, and life and medical insurance. It also offers wellness assessments, access to a credit union, discounted wellness facility memberships, and discounts with area local businesses and in-house meals at cafeterias and cafes. In order to inspire their employees to achieve more, Lexington Medical Center awards its staff with scholarships and tuition reimbursement, recognition for outstanding performance, and service awards throughout the year. Also, there are a number of ways employees can connect with the community at large and give back; programs like student mentoring, providing community wellness classes and donating their unused medical supplies to charity support this initiative. Employees describe their co-workers as “a second family away from home” and “respectful and team-oriented.” More reasons to work at Lexington Medical Center: Free parking and carpool incentives are offered to all staff members Employees can work with local high school students through internships and shadowing days to introduce them to the healthcare industry, and Childcare benefits like adoption assistance and on-site care facilities for kids are available for working parents. Massachusetts General Hospital – Boston, MA This hospital has won numerous awards as a “best place to work” for many years. Mass Gen provides its employees with “traditional” benefits, ranging from healthcare coverage to retirement plans, tuition reimbursement and discounted fitness club memberships, but also prides itself in offering a diverse workplace for employees of all ethnic backgrounds, cultures, ages, lifestyles and physical abilities. The aim is to provide employees with a “rich cultural experience” and arm its staff with programs and support groups to promote women and minority scientists and physicians. Employees say, “I love that it’s an environment that promotes continuous learning” and describe the workplace as “very rewarding and intellectually stimulating.” More reasons to work at Massachusetts General Hospital: Benefits are inclusive of people of all backgrounds –- for instance, same-sex partner benefits and adoption parenting leave are offered in medical plans Employees have access to The Clubs at Charles River Park fitness center, and A generous mix of courses, scholarships and events make up its Career Development program. The Mayo Clinic – Rochester, MN For nine years in a row, The Mayo Clinic has had a place on Fortune Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For”, and its leadership team attributes this long-standing ranking to its great employees. Also, it’s been named an “Ideal Employer” by Universum Communications and one of the “Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles” by the National Business Group on Health. Employees praise its solid benefits and compensation packages that include family and child services, health/wellness plans, new employee orientation programs and tuition assistance. From the first day of employment, The Mayo clinic offers its employees opportunities for professional growth and education. One employee says, “Opportunities for learning are awesome. Tuition reimbursement has allowed me to continue my education and advance my career.” More reasons to work at The Mayo Clinic: The Diversity Oversight Committee serves as a forum for creation, prioritization and oversight of diversity goals and objectives for patients and staff The Mayo Clinic has a strong worldwide reputation — more than 500,000 patients from nearly 150 countries come to Mayo Clinic for diagnosis and treatment each year, and “Hire for Life” staff retention goal has more than 17% of the workforce with 20 or more years of service. Methodist Health Systems – Dallas, TX Employees at Methodist Health have chosen their workplace as a “Best Place to Work”, placing it on the Dallas Business Journal’s annual list for eight years straight. It also had a place on the Dallas Business Journal’s list as one of the “Healthiest Employers in North Texas” in 2012 with its “Live Well. Shine Bright.” wellness program, health coaching services and prenatal programs. Other benefits for its employees include tuition reimbursement, health and life insurance, access to a credit union and free on-campus parking. The hospital boasts a high employee retention rate, healthy referral program, and features more than 25 videos on its website containing interviews and testimonials from its current employees. More reasons to work at Methodist Health Systems: The health system recently made a $2.8 million investment in pay raises for nurses, reflecting their commitment to quality care and staff appreciation Methodist Health is an American Heart Association “Start! Fit-Friendly Company” for promoting the health of their employees and working to create a culture of physical activity in the workplace, and The health system is a DAISY Award Hospital Partner, and recognizes outstanding nurses with this special honor each month. Northwestern Memorial Hospital – Chicago, IL Attracting, building and maintaining top talent is a major priority at this organization, and its leaders are committed to providing all of its staff with personal and professional benefits that allow them to find balance in life. In fact, NMH has had a spot on Working Mother magazine’s list of “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” for nine straight years. Great benefits like retirement plans, health insurance coverage, tuition reimbursement, shuttle bus services to and from train stations downtown, and a commitment to supporting diversity, make this a great working environment for employees. One employee describes this hospital as a “Great place to work [with] great benefits and [the hospital] treats employees with respect,” and another says it’s a “wonderful, inspiring experience.” More reasons to work at Northwestern Memorial Hospital: Staff can attend NM Academy, an internal education center with a variety of clinical and non-clinical learning activities and resources like training sessions, conferences and professional development programs Youth Programs give staff the opportunity to share their healthcare experiences with diverse students from elementary school to post-graduate levels, and Diversity Awareness Training is integral to new employee orientation and incorporated into required training for managers.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation – Palo Alto, CA This organization placed first as the Top Non-Profit Workplace and sixth in the Top 10 Large Companies to Work for in a 2010 employee-based survey conducted by the Bay Area News Group. The survey polled its employee participants on a number of workplace factors, including the direction of its leaders and company values, execution of communication and efficiency, opportunities for career advancement and professional development, the conditions and environment, quality of managers and their skills, and the pay and benefits offered. One area where employees feel empowered is in their opportunity to give back to the community by being a member of the PAMF staff to care for the uninsured, improving health care facilities, and adding availability of vital programs and services. More reasons to work at Palo Alto Medical Foundation: Work from home options are available for some positions A “family-like” atmosphere keeps retention and satisfaction rates high, and Each year, Sutter Health (parent company of PAMF) invests millions of dollars back into its communities. Rhode Island Hospital – Providence, RI Employees at Rhode Island Hospital have access to a wide range of “traditional” benefits and unique perks, like reduced memberships to its on-site YMCA, “Lunch and Learn” sessions on topics covering everything from gardening to college planning and an education assistance program. Also, the hospital’s commitment to health and wellness has earned it numerous awards and recognition from organizations like the Wellness Council of America and the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. Employees rate the “excellent benefits” and “motivating workplace and atmosphere” as some of the attributes that make Rhode Island Hospital a great place to work. More reasons to work at Rhode Island Hospital: Department managers can offer staff members flexible work arrangements The “Employee Fund” provides financial assistance to employees when an unexpected catastrophic event (like a fire or life-threatening child illness) has left them with nowhere else to turn, and Free, confidential services available to all employees and their family members who need information, assessment or referrals, to counseling or other wellness resources. Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center – Los Angeles, CA This hospital is known worldwide for its research projects and expertise in surgical procedures, so its reputation is certainly strong and one that that brings the most driven and passionate employees to its doors. With a full package of benefits ranging from tuition reimbursement to retirement plans and medical insurance, employees of this hospital also have access to a credit union, on-site childcare, free counseling for employees and their families, and a convenient transportation system for employees in five surrounding counties. For those outside of the reach of their independent transport service, local public transportation provides free passes for employees of the University. Employees call their jobs and work environment “stimulating” and many cite that the positive relationship between physicians and nurses contributes to their overall satisfaction. More reasons to work at Ronald Regan UCLA Memorial Hospital: Los Angeles averages 329 sunny days per year, making it a great place to call home Relocation assistance is available for those coming from more than 250 miles away and UCLA Health Systems is their first LA-based employer, and New Grad Nursing and Residency programs offer young professionals a strong start to a healthcare career. Rose Medical Center – Denver, CO This hospital has a unique approach to its employee engagement and development strategy: a newly developed collaboration between its Organizational Development, Education and Human Resources departments called “Rose University” to foster its employees professional skills. Three schools (Workforce Development, Leadership and Personal Development and Professional Development) each have their own courses and structure, and are offered to all staff members, including non-clinical workers. The organization has been described by its employees as “forward thinking” and focused on the community. One employee says, “I feel humble to be a part of this great organization that has served the Denver community for the past 60 years.” Another employee says, “Rose and all our staff bring so much to our community. We have so many long-term employees, physicians, volunteers and return patients — that alone speaks for itself.” More reasons to work at Rose Medical Center: “The Rose Code” highlights main areas of focus called “four cornerstones” and six other values as part of a solid foundation for their incoming and current employees Rose’s founders built the hospital to “serve the need of every creed” and it has become a community landmark, and Rose’s leadership team spends a collective 4,500 hours per year to collaborate on ideas that allow them to focus on improving their commitments. Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Boise, ID In addition to a great compilation of benefits like health insurance, medical reimbursement funds, access to a credit union, adoption benefits, childcare discounts and more, Saint Alphonsus also has a “Career Mobility Program” designed to empower employees to develop their careers at the medical center. With one-on-one career coaching sessions, annual internal career fair, educational scholarships, tuition reimbursement and special training sessions, this organization is dedicated to making employees the best they can be. In addition, Saint Alphonsus is proud of their “spirit of service” that fosters a values-driven career for its staff members. More reasons to work at Saint Alphonsus Medical Center: Boise offers a reasonable cost of living, a low crime rate and many cultural programs The faith-based culture at SAMC respects the dignity of the individual and fosters a values-driven employment experience, and An on-site, Early Learning Center is part of employees’ Child Care benefits. Schneck Medical Center – Seymour, IN SMC has been named as one of the best places to work in the state of Indiana, and was recently named the recipient of the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 2011 — for which one of its contributing factors was its “empowered and involved workforce.” Right from the start, this organization makes sure that its employees are the right fit for the position and culture at Schneck Medical Center. Several of their programs dedicated to workplace improvement, like the “Hiring for Excellence Program”, involving peer interviewing and employee input for the selection of new staff members, and the “Grow Our Own” program, which offers high school and college students a chance to shadow healthcare professionals and work at the medical center during college, has led to high staff satisfaction levels and reduced turnover rates. More reasons to work at Schneck Medical Center: Schneck employees advise middle and high school students on healthcare careers through their Health Career Discovery Program Satisfaction levels reported by Schneck’s RNs for the organization’s leadership development programs have exceeded the benchmark of the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators for the past three years, and 90% of SMC’s physicians report they’re engaged and aligned with the organization. Sentara Norfolk General Hospital – Norfolk, VA This hospital system has been a past recipient of the “Employer of Choice” Award and is committed to providing employees with a “vibrant, creative and highly productive workplace.” They have a generous benefits program and encourage employees to take part in their Community Involvement initiatives in which the hospital employees volunteer and give back to local and national charities. Employees are also offered the opportunity to take part in personal and professional development programs through tuition assistance, seminars, workshops and exercise programs that are built into their work schedules. More reasons to work at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital: Sentara provides a 100% employer paid pension plan for eligible employees in addition to 3 types of retirement savings plans Commitment to competitive pay — research is conducted on base pay, as well as other types of pay, such as shift differentials, call pay, charge pay and more, and Sentara rewards employees who have continuous service of three-, five- and 10-year increments. St. Luke’s Hospital – St. Louis, MO St. Luke’s was a finalist in the St. Louis Business Journal’s 2012 “Best Places to Work” list and was named a “Best in Class Employer” by HR Solutions, Inc., among other top awards. Described by its employees as “a great place to work” where collaboration and teamwork is valued, workers feel they’re “a part of something great — the people, the work, the compassion that goes on here is indescribable.” Benefits at St. Luke’s help to balance work and personal life, and include health and life insurance, group banking services, access to a fitness center and track, tuition reimbursement and discounts at area attractions, to name a few. More reasons to work at St. Luke’s Hospital: The hospital holds strong to its core values and “FACES” culture, which promotes a Friendly, Available, Caring, Efficient and Safe place to work Staff has the opportunity to facilitate the Job Shadowing program for high school and college students, and The hospital has been recognized as a past Employer of the Year for effective communication, employee input, employee development, work/life balance and culture. University of Colorado Hospital – Aurora, CO Sitting in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, The University of Colorado Hospital has been recognized for its advancements in medicine and is considered to be one of the most prestigious hospitals in the country. Aside from this accolade, The Denver Business Journal named it first in its category on its 2011 Denver Metro Healthiest Employers list for its wellness initiatives, health risk assessments and screenings, and tobacco-free workplace policy, among other “health first” factors. Benefits at UCH are one of the top perks of working there. In addition to wellness benefits, employees are offered medical and health insurance, pensions and retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, access to a credit union and more. Leadership also puts value on the idea of working as a team and that’s one of the reasons employees call it “a great place to work,” where “peers and subordinates [are] high quality with a great work ethic.” More reasons to work at University of Colorado Hospital: The “clinical ladder” program rewards RNs for continuing growth, and offers exceptional educational opportunities to help ensure their professional development The Continuing Education and Professional Membership reimbursement program allows employees to learn on the job and enhance their skills, and UCH Insider, the hospital’s “unusually candid e-newsletter,” is published every other week to provide colleagues with the inside information, news and breakthroughs. University of Pennsylvania Hospitals – Philadelphia, PA Employees at any one of the three hospitals at the University of Pennsylvania are offered a wealth of benefits and extras as a result of the organization’s commitment to improvement and growth. Aside from a robust benefits package, employees also have professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and forgiveness, no-cost professional development courses, and dependent tuition at the University of Pennsylvania. One staff nurse explained the value of these benefits: “Penn Medicine offered to pay for me to get a Masters Degree (in Nursing). This was an opportunity I could not turn away from.” Employees are also offered flexibility and variety in their careers through the “Encore Careers” program, where they have the opportunity to move to another discipline or career area. More reasons to work at the University of Pennsylvania Hospitals: The Healthy Workforce Initiative gives employees free access to tools and resources they need to be more aware of their current health status and steps needed to improve their health “Encore Careers” program allows employees to change their area of focus or discipline while remaining a part of the organization, and Penn Medicine runs workshops for Penn Medicine staff members that aren’t ready to retire and want to continue to work, but are considering alternative work roles and hours. Vanderbilt University Medical Center – Nashville, TN The team at Vanderbilt Medical Center believes that “building a great place to work is the most important step in making our patients and customers happy and satisfied with their experience,” and they’re committed to building a positive working environment. Leadership at the medical center encourages learning, celebrates diversity, and offers a range of benefits to the staff. In addition to three different health plans, retirement packages, childcare centers, free fitness and wellness programs, there are many perks to being an employee at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Employees attribute their satisfaction to “talented and knowledgeable staff,” “opportunity to work in many facets of healthcare” and “good benefits.” More reasons to work at Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Discounts are available for employees at area apartments, automotive service stations and retailers Pets are considered part of the family; insurance is offered for them too, and “The Buddy System” teams up newly hired RNs with members of the leadership team and experienced nurses to help develop increased confidence, comfort and knowledge about the patient population, unit staff and specific unit routines and practices. Winchester Hospital – Winchester, MA This hospital is committed to providing an excellent work environment for its employees and has received recognition for this high standard. One honor is the Boston Business Journal’s Best Places to Work — an award they have won seven years in a row. One employee says that, “There is a great sense of team at this hospital and what I do to contribute is valued,” and others recognize that their input and opinions are valued by top management. All employees are given access to an individual, secure webpage where they can log in to view their schedules, certification/license requirements and their options for ongoing training and education classes. More reasons to work at Winchester Hospital: Holds Magnet status, the gold standard for nursing excellence (held by only 3% of hospitals nationwide) The Winchester Hospital Community Health Institute gives employees the chance to lead health classes for members of its community, and Through partnerships with area schools and the Winchester Multicultural Network, Winchester Hospital promotes wellness in various community populations. Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital – Yakima, WA The core values of respect, compassion, accountability, safety, teamwork and excellence, along with commitment to a “constructive culture” are integrated into the overall framework at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, and are a major factor in employee satisfaction. The Organizational & Leadership Development department provides ongoing staff development courses and activities that help its team members build on their skills and potential while learning to work collaboratively with their colleagues. One current employee says, “I always feel appreciated and they are quick to reward excellence. I love it here!” Another employee attributes her success so far to the support she has received from the executive level: “Management is very positive, and encourages you to be the best employee you can be.” More reasons to work at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital: “Into the Blue” course helps employees learn how they formed habits, attitudes, beliefs and expectations that may stand in the way of releasing their vast inner potential Employees can take part in “YouthWorks,” a youth empowerment and community service initiative that engages civic and service-minded young people in a variety of mentoring, volunteering and philanthropic opportunities, and Yakima’s central location is close to cities (Seattle, Spokane, Portland), the mountains, the ocean, the rain forests and the Columbia River, which makes it a great place to live. Yale-New Haven Hospital – New Haven, CT This hospital has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals: Honor Roll” for its great benefits plan, development resources, dedication to providing employees with a great working environment, and for enriching employees’ lives even outside of the hospital. The organization is focused on encouraging “uniqueness” among its staff and values cooperation on all levels through its Mutual Respect Committee, which encourages open conversations between staff and top-level management. Employees of Yale-New Haven Hospital also value the organization’s commitment to corporate social responsibility — spending over $9 million per year on public health programs, investing in youth development programs, participating in community advisory committees, supporting special care for families, and more. Employees call this hospital “a great place for growth in character and professional skill.” More reasons to work at Yale-New Haven Hospital: The Performance Initiative Program annually rewards employees for their contributions to the ongoing success of the hospital Deduct-a-Ride gives employees a tax break through a pre-tax paycheck deduction of up to $230 per month to apply toward mass transportation expenses, and Employees can earn up to $3,000 for referring a new hire. Source
Scores are based on a variety of patient outcome and care-related factors, such as patient safety and nurse staffing.
