Autonomous, collaborative, compassionate care in a teaching hospital environment
At MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, we strive for nothing short of excellence. We are among an elite set of hospitals to be granted Magnet® Recognition by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a designation that highlights the incredible work of our nursing staff. Nurses at MedStar Georgetown practice with autonomy, authority and accountability. At our academic medical facility and teaching hospital, nurses are encouraged to grow in their profession, collaborate with physician partners and actively participate in the plan of care for acute and vulnerable patients throughout the hospital.MedStar Georgetown is an organization steeped in the Jesuit tradition of cura personalis, or caring for the whole person. With this philosophy in mind, nurses are empowered to provide the kind of compassionate, holistic care that first compelled them to join the field.
A major academic medical facility with a community hospital feel
This unique combination distinguishes MedStar Georgetown’s care. We pride ourselves on fostering a strong sense of teamwork, encouraging our nurses to feel supported by each other and by the organization.
Cura personalis and compassion extend beyond patient care to the respect shared among our staff. When asked what they like best about their positions, our nurses consistently cite the collaborative environment, supportive colleagues, and multitude of growth opportunities. Our hospital-wide surveys repeatedly show satisfaction and engagement scores above U.S. healthcare norms.
"At MedStar Georgetown, the patient comes first"
Our internal research also shows that 92% of MedStar Georgetown associates agree that our patients truly come first. Our practice environment provides the supports and resources needed to make that possible, including:
- A robust shared governance model in which staff councils facilitate professional development and have a direct impact on practice
- A rewarding clinical ladder
- A comprehensive new graduate residency program
- Direct access to the Chief Nursing Officer and executive leadership through regular rounding and open forum meetings
- A “just culture” that emphasizes shared accountability
- An emphasis on individual decision making, empowered by clearly outlined priorities.
Safety | Compassion | Professionalism | Coordinated care
We are committed to the highest standards of patient safety and professionalism. To this end, MedStar Georgetown has embraced a High Reliability Organization (HRO) framework. Much the same as the airline and nuclear power plant industries, HRO hospitals offer a proactive safety model focused on anticipation and prevention of potential problems. Each highly-trained member of our staff is a key part of our safety success.
This focus on consistent excellence extends to our Interdisciplinary Model of Care (IMOC). This model structures our collaborative care approach. As a teaching hospital, open communication and consistency are extremely important. Check-list based multidisciplinary rounds, physician/nurse bedside rounding, and dedicated time at the patient’s bedside allow for reliability and efficiency, as well as relationship-based compassionate care.
MedStar Georgetown is committed to providing our nursing staff with an innovative and supportive practice environment where they can thrive and grow while providing expert patient care. Exceptional nursing is at the core of MedStar Georgetown’s mission.
The first in the Nation's Capital
In 2004, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital was the first hospital in the nation's capital to achieve Magnet® Recognition, a prestigious status granted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. We were successfully re-designated in 2008, and again in 2013, 2018, and 2023. We are proud to be part of an elite community of only 1% of hospitals to have received this designation five or more times.
What is the Magnet Recognition Program?
Inclusion in the Magnet® Recognition Program reflects demonstrated strength in nursing care, innovative professional nursing practice, and nursing satisfaction. This designation is granted to hospitals by the American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC). According to ANCC, "Magnet status is not a prize or an award. Rather, it is a credential or organizational recognition of nursing excellence."
Why is Magnet Recognized status important?
For nurses:- Positive work environment
- High nursing satisfaction
- Effective nursing recruitment and retention
- Autonomy in practice
- Professional development opportunities
- Nurses employed at Magnet hospitals experienced higher levels of empowerment and job satisfaction as compared to nurses at non-Magnet hospitals.
For patients:
- Improved clinical outcomes
- High patient satisfaction scores
- Engaged, educated and expert nurses
Over a thirteen–year study period, patients at hospitals included in the Magnet Recognition® Program experienced significantly better outcomes than those receiving care elsewhere.
Our highly engaged nurses influence practice every day
At MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, our nurses are leaders. In our collaborative work environment, associates are free to exchange ideas, pilot new innovations, and strive towards new levels of clinical and research excellence. Nurses are also crucially important voices in all levels of our institutional decision-making. By empowering our nursing staff to make the most of their abilities, we ensure that MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is both a great place to work and to receive care.
Our Professional Practice Model
- Defines the key components of practice within the Division of Nursing.
- Aligns MedStar Georgetown nursing practice with our values, mission and vision.
- Supports registered nurse control over the delivery of care and environment of care.
- Guides nurses in their decisions about how to practice, communicate, collaborate and professionally develop.
How we impact nursing practice
In the Division of Nursing, collaborative governance empowers nurses to influence decisions and solve problems that affect their nursing practice, their professional development and self-fulfillment, and their work environment. Collaborative governance is the process by which nurses have the authority to make decisions about clinical practice, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice and research.
The professional nursing staff at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital organize, integrate, and manage the delivery of nursing care through councils. Councils address issues related to practice, performance improvement/research, and education and professional development. We encourage each nurse to participate in a unit council, hospital council, corporate council, or to serve as a champion for unit-based educational opportunities.
Division-wide Governance Councils
Nursing Practice Council
Nursing Evidence-Based Practice and Research Council
Nursing Professional Development Council
Nursing Informatics Council
Nursing Healthcare Advocacy and Legislation Council
Nursing Management Council
Nursing Collaboration Council
Nursing Professional Development Council
Build your career at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is committed to supporting each member of our nursing staff develop professionally and meet career goals. Our nurses are encouraged to grow and become leaders at the bedside. We employ nurses throughout the organization in a variety of roles and leadership levels. Whether you’re looking for an advanced practice position, a more specialized practice, a higher acuity patient population, a care coordination role, or a better work-life balance, you’ll find your next opportunity here!