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Memorial Healthcare System (Broward and Palm Beach County, Fla.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Since its inception in 1953, Memorial Healthcare System has strived to provide high-quality care to South Florida patients. It is currently the fifth-largest public healthcare system in the nation and employs more than 10,000 workers. The hospital's 2010 employee satisfaction survey ranked it in the 96th percentile nationwide, while the physician satisfaction survey placed the hospital in the 97th percentile. In order to continually build its team of loyal, enthusiastic staff, Memorial Healthcare System offers a $3,000 reward to employees who refer a candidate that is hired. The system also provides for employees seeking an RN or BSN at an accredited Florida university, as well as scholarships to employee dependents attending Broward College. Once employees accept a job at Memorial Healthcare System, they are eligible for an attractive sign-on bonus: up to $6,000 for qualified full-time and part-time positions. In addition to generous compensation, the system offers off-site fitness centers, cafeteria discounts, a day care center and premium pay for holiday work.
Methodist Health System (Dallas, Texas)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Methodist Health System is one of North Texas' oldest non-profit health systems. Founded in 1927, the system has expanded significantly since its early days. Methodist hosts a broad array of programs designed to provide employee recognition. The system's "Team Care = Team Share" incentive program rewards employees $300-$1,000 for meeting organizational goals. The "You Rock" day-to-day recognition program lets employees give a note to any co-worker, volunteer or physician to recognize their positive behavior. Methodist's RN refresher program tackles provider shortages by encouraging experienced nurses who have left the profession to return. On the administrative side, potential leaders are invited to take part in a "leadership intensive" led by senior executives and take advantage of in-house development opportunities valued at $5,000 per person. The system's wellness initiative provides tools and incentives to improve employee health, with a maximum pre-tax cash reward of $275 for the year.
Missoula Bone & Joint and Surgery Center (Missoula, Mont.)
Type of facility: Physician practice and ambulatory surgery center
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Missoula Bone & Joint Surgery Center has been providing the Missoula community with orthopedics services for 50 years. The center has an extremely low turnover rate — just 3.5 percent — and receives high ratings from staff on every aspect of employment at the center. Employees are invited to join several different committees focused on center improvement, including the process improvement committee and the expense committee, which gives employees input on cost reductions. Employees are also encouraged to nominate their co-workers for a monthly co-worker recognition program. The randomly-drawn winner receives a paid half day off and a gift certificate, and other nominated staff members receive a copy of their nomination. In addition to involving employees in process improvement, the center holds regular outings and events to encourage staff bonding. In Dec. 2010, the center held a craft fair for employees to display their work; in Nov. 2010, a barbecue provided a free lunch for employees. Benefits at Missoula Bone & Joint include health insurance paid at 100 percent, a $750 yearly allowance towards dental/vision and other medical expenses, paid time off, life insurance and long-term disability paid by the company and annual continuing education benefits. On the center's 2010 staff satisfaction survey, one employee said, "There really isn't anything I would change about my job at this time. I love that my schedule is flexible. I enjoy my coworkers/friends. I love the patient interaction I encounter and feel I have the ability to make a difference, yet I have a peaceful [and] quiet work environment that enables me to perform my job at an above satisfactory level."
Monongalia General Hospital (Morgantown, W.V.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Mon General Hospital, a 189-bed community hospital, is the cornerstone of the Mon Health System. The hospital recently completed a considerable expansion project, upon completion of which, the facility provided a celebration for staff and families. Open houses and tours of the new facility were offered, as well as live entertainment, refreshments, prizes and giveaways. In addition, over 80 employees with more than 30 years of service with MGH were honored at the grand opening's ribbon-cutting ceremony. In the last few years, the hospital has implemented a recognition program called Wonderful Opportunities Working that recognizes exceptional performance. When an employee sees another employee giving exceptional service, they can recognize the employee with a gift card that can be redeemed in the hospital gift shop or cafeteria. The hospital's "department of the quarter" program recognizes a winning department with an engraved plaque, recognition from administration and small reception for department members. Employees can participate in a wellness program that grants employees points for participation throughout the year. At the end of the year, those who meet the point requirements in three categories are eligible for a wellness cash payout. Staff and their spouses and children can also take part in biometric wellness screenings.
Nanticoke Health Services (Seaford, Del.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Employing 1,100 employees across three entities, Nanticoke Health Services runs a full-service community hospital, a long-term care facility and a network of employed physicians. The system has implemented several tools to communicate with its many providers, including a monthly newsletter, required staff meetings, quarterly town halls and a CEO blog posted on the employee intranet. An objective online performance evaluation tool was introduced to give evaluations a shorter turnaround time and provide clearer, standardized feedback. NHS' active employee activities committee plans regular events to promote staff bonding: Past events have included a bus trip to New York, a Halloween bowling party and employee walk teams at the AHA, ACS and Alzheimer's walks. Tracy Passwater, an ultrasound technologist at Nanticoke Health Services, had been with system for eight years when she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Ms. Passwater sought out the local newspaper to tell Nanticoke's story from the patient and employee perspective. "The people that work at this hospital, they do the same thing for everybody. It is just now I have had the shoe on the other foot, and I have been able to see it first hand," she says. "The majority of the people that work at this hospital were born and raised here; they have that sense of 'home' here."
Northeast Surgical Care (Newington, N.H.)
Type of facility: Ambulatory surgery center
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Northeast Surgical Care, a freestanding ASC that recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with an open house celebration for physicians and staff, features a single OR that regularly functions at maximum capacity. Despite a busy schedule, the center maintains a high level of employee satisfaction through growth opportunities as well as benefits, including 401(k) with employer-matched contributions, an annual holiday party and a family summer outing, says Cyndi Harris, administrator at Northeast Surgical Care. Physicians and staff members also make it a priority to give back to the community through frequent service opportunities such as blood drives, road races, golf tournaments, Coats for Kids, Toys for Tots and charity food collections. Satisfaction is felt not only by the employees, but by patients as well, a claim that is strongly backed up by the center's patient satisfaction surveys. "Patients often comment how professional and knowledgeable the staff is as well as how special they feel as though they are the only patient having surgery," Ms. Harris adds. "This atmosphere allows for a positive and less stressful environment for our patients when they are having surgery."
North Shore-LIJ Health System (Great Neck, N.Y.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: North Shore-LIJ Health System is the nation's second-largest, non-profit, secular healthcare system, with more than 42,000 team members serving 15 hospitals, ambulatory facilities and physician practices. On the heels of winning the prominent 2010 National Quality Healthcare Award from the NQF, North-Shore LIJ decided to inspire and thank its employees for contributing to the organizations' culture of quality. President and CEO Michael Dowling sent a video message to all employees, thanking them for their hard work, and North-Shore LIJ created a section on the employee Intranet that invited employees to share stories about the organization's "culture of quality." To encourage employee innovation and creativity, North Shore-LIJ established an "idea forum" that received more than 1,000 ideas from employees over the course of one year. The best ideas were chosen for recognition, and selected employees received $500 and a plaque. North-Shore LIJ offers a host of employee benefits, including a medical plan that covers 100 percent of health services provided at any North Shore-LIJ hospital and facility. The system was recently profiled as a leader in employee engagement in Closing the Engagement Gap, a book that highlights exceptional organizations in talent management.
NorthShore University HealthSystem (Evanston, Ill.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: A growing system in the prosperous North Shore suburbs of Chicago, NorthShore has annual revenue of over $1.5 billion and a staff of nearly 9,000. In 2003, it was one of the first hospital systems in the country to successfully launch a system-wide EMR. Since the implementation of the hospital's EMR, NorthShore has invested numerous resources in ensuring employee competency. One-on-one PC coaching and courses in Epic, API and ERA systems are offered to maintain software skills and increase employee comfort. The system also offers a variety of personal development courses, with titles like "Spanish Language for the Medical Professional" and "Giving and Receiving Feedback in Challenging Situations." Employees gather annually for Employee Appreciation Week and Nurses Week, which offer catered lunches, relaxation programs, award dinners and thank you gifts. Good food is never lacking at NorthShore: The system's guest chef program invites famous chefs from P.F. Changs, Wolfgang Puck Café and Maggiano's to work the grill at the hospital cafeteria.
NorthStar Surgical Center (Lubbock, Texas)
Type of facility: Ambulatory surgery center
What makes it a Best Place to Work: NorthStar Surgical Center prioritizes service by giving back to the local community and world at large. Service opportunities at NorthStar are manifested in many ways, including medical mission trips to Mexico, Honduras, Africa and Thailand. The center also makes itself available as a teaching partner for the healthcare community by serving as a rotation facility for clinical training programs through Covenant School of Nursing, Texas Tech University School of Nursing and the South Plains College Surgical Technology programs. A number of NorthStar employees also volunteer as mentors for local high school students interested in a career in healthcare through the Groundhog Day Shadow Program. "This is where I want to end my nursing career," says Vicki Ball, RN, director of nursing. "In my seven years here, I've found this to be the one facility where I can be the best nurse that I can be because at NorthStar we are empowered to be the best we can be."
Northwest Michigan Surgery Center (Traverse City, Mich.)
Type of facility: Ambulatory surgery center
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Developed by local physicians in partnership with Munson Medical Center, Northwest Michigan Surgery Center offers a host of services, including orthopedics, plastic surgery, ophthalmology, GI and ENT. According to clinical director Tina Piotrowski, RN, BSN, the physician-owners and Munson Medical Center instituted a 401(k) profit-sharing plan that, in essence, makes each employee a stakeholder in the center's success. Financial benefits are not limited to employees: According to Jim Bertoldi, controller, the center has provided over $300,000 in charity care and bad debt relief and has saved patients, Medicaid, Medicare, employers and commercial payors 40 percent in outpatient surgery expenses. "Our patient surveys speak loud and clear to the quality and care that our employees provide to the people in our community," says Gayle Bultsma, RN, CAPA. "'Expediency and efficiency blended with care and professionalism,' 'friendly and courteous staff' and 'well-organized' are just a few of the comments we routinely receive." To maintain a close-knit team and a comfortable atmosphere, the center staff regularly participates in local events as a team. In 2010, many staff members were involved in community activities such as the National Cherry Festival Run, the YMCA board, career fairs and volunteer events at the State Theatre. "The word is getting out that NMSC is both a top-notch center to receive care and a great place to work," Ms. Bultsma says.
Northwestern Memorial Hospital (Chicago, Ill.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Northwestern Memorial Hospital serves as the primary teaching hospital for Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. In terms of employee satisfaction, hospital administration says, "Our top priority is to be the very best place to work in healthcare." To accomplish this goal, Northwestern Memorial first brings in the very best candidates for its coveted positions. The Northwestern Memorial Mentoring Program, launched in 2002 for managers, began with a minority focus and has since expanded to include both minorities and non-minorities. Career development is facilitated through tuition assistance and discounts for full-time employees who attend certain Northwestern University classes. Through the system's training center, NM Academy, employees can take advantage of training sessions, conferences and professional development. Employee health is supported through wellness programs and offerings — such as incentives for successful completion of Weight Watchers — and a confidential disease management program for employees struggling with illness. Nurses at Northwestern Memorial can choose from a variety of flexible work options, which include three options for full-time work, three options for part-time work, casual work and a float pool. Many nursing units also offer a self-schedule option, meaning nurses are able to select the days on the upcoming schedule they want to work.
OrthoCarolina (Charlotte, N.C.)
Type of facility: Orthopedic practice
What makes it a Best Place to Work: With more than 11 practice locations, OrthoCarolina provides plenty of opportunity for clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals. The company encourages employees to continue education and pursue career advancement opportunities. Employees can also expect a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision and life insurance. OrthoCarolina employees have the opportunity to participate in a 401(k) and profit sharing plan. The practice has been recognized as a Platinum-Level Start! Fit-Friendly Company by the American Heart Association's Start! Movement for healthy employee lifestyles and was honored in 2010 as one of the best places to work by the Charlotte Business Journal. The company also offers a fellowship program in several orthopedic surgery areas, including spine surgery and sports medicine. This past year, OrthoCarolina physicians and physicians' assistants took trips to Haiti to provide orthopedic services to the country's underserved population.
OrthoIndy (Indianapolis)
Type of facility: Orthopedic practice
What makes it a Best Place to Work: OrthoIndy has 14 locations around Indiana and is focused on providing quality bone, joint, spine and muscle care. The practice environment fosters a team approach to providing care and provides opportunities for personal and professional growth for employees. Physicians and other healthcare professionals are encouraged to participate in the development of new procedures, techniques and other advances in healthcare. OrthoIndy provides employees with employer-sponsored health insurance, dental insurance and vision discount programs. Employees can also expect a 401(k) pension and profit sharing with matching program, paid time off, life insurance and disability insurance. To promote growth among employees, OrthoIndy offers a clinical ladder program, paid license renewal and other paid continuing education opportunities for full-time employees. OrthoIndy physicians have privileges at the company's Indiana Orthopaedic Hospital, which received the 5-star rating in total joint replacement from HealthGrades. OrthoIndy physicians provide coverage for high school, college and professional Indiana athletes.
Plastic Surgical Associates of Johnstown (Johnstown, Pa.)
Type of facility: Ambulatory surgery center
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Plastic Surgical Associates of Johnson focuses on soft tissue and cancer reconstruction, vein treatment, hand surgery, trauma, skin care and laser hair removal. The center staffs only 18 employees, and each staff member has direct responsibilities and can receive rewards for providing high-quality care. The center's non-profit corporation — Humans Empathetic to Less Fortunate People — raises money to help individuals with healthcare expenses not met by their personal or insurance funds. High-performing employees receive quarterly bonuses that equal a 20 percent increase in salary, and base pay scale is above average for all positions to ensure staff continuity. Lunch is provided on all employees' birthdays, and staff members are sent on yearly retreats to improve business practices and strengthen teamwork. Regular company parties involve employees, staff and children and foster a family atmosphere at the center. "The day-to-day life of an organization staff member is busy yet organized, and pleasurable, as we all feel like we are taking care of family (our patients) each day," says Daniel R. Nevarre, MD, center owner.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation (Palo Alto, Calif.)
Type of facility: Medical foundation
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Since its humble beginnings as a small clinic in downtown Palo Alto in the 1930s, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation has merged three distinct medical groups and currently employs more than 900 physicians. In 2010, PAMF was ranked one of the top 10 places to work in the Bay Area, in the first employee-based survey of Bay Area companies conducted by Workplace Dynamics and published in the June edition of the Bay Area News Group. PAMF placed first as the top non-profit workplace and sixth in the top 10 large companies to work for. PAMF tries to keep its finger on the pulse of community needs by providing a variety of programs that benefit the local area. In 2009, PAMF physicians and other healthcare experts collaborated to host a special pediatric health fair for patents of special needs children, and PAMF physician James Beckett, MD, spoke to youths about sun safety. The physicians and employees of PAMF organize, support and participate in a wide range of events that promote community health, including community blood pressure screenings, childhood obesity initiatives and parent education programs in local schools.
Poudre Valley Health System (Fort Collins, Colo.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Poudre Valley Health System is a regional healthcare system in northern Colorado consisting of two large hospitals — Poudre Valley Hospital and Medical Center of the Rockies. PVH has been designated a Magnet Hospital for Nursing Excellence since 2000; MCR earned the same designation in 2010. Poudre Valley Health System prides itself on a low voluntary turnover rate and rewards employee work with a variety of benefits, including birthday gift certificates, on-site massage therapy, a free on-site gym and special employee events. Throughout the year, employees can gather and celebrate PVHS' success at summer picnics, holiday parties, movies, a week recognizing nurses and hospital employees, grill days and themed dress days. The health system offers discount admission tickets to movies and theme parks, as well as discounts from local businesses that are "Friends of the Foundation." If PVHS reaches certain objectives, employees receive a performance bonus tied to the financial and operational success of the system. A reward and recognition program was established to acknowledge employees' individual efforts to improve patient care. Poudre Valley Health System is aware that alleviating employee fears is a crucial step in improving engagement. To keep employees relaxed and able to focus, PVHS offers local daycare center discounts, temporary subsidized child care in an employee's home and elder care and child care referrals through the system's Employee Assistance Program.
Renown Health (Reno, Nev.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Renown Health is northern Nevada's largest integrated health network, serving a 17-county region and operating four hospitals. The health network's recent expansion features a new child care center for employees and new employee housing to provide convenient living for qualified clinical professionals. Renown has been named one of the best places to work in the state by the Nevada Business Journal. Employees are connected to organizational decisions and events through physician, nurse and staff-specific newsletters, nursing assemblies and intranet employee forums. Employees are also encouraged to pursue professional development through online learning modules, computer skills training, postgraduate internships and continuing education workshops; eligible staff can also apply for tuition reimbursement. Shops at Renown include Starbucks and FreshBerry, and a workplace wellness program and fitness centers help employees stay active and healthy. Staff can also receive public transportation discounts and benefit from a 401(k) savings plan with employer match and a 529 College Savings Plan.
Rex Hospital (Raleigh, N.C.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Part of UNC Healthcare, Rex Hospital has 4,600 employees and more than 1,100 physicians on staff. The hospital has no shortage of awards for employee satisfaction: In the last 10 years, Rex has been recognized by Working Mother, Carolina Parent Magazine, Triangle Business Journal, Thomson Reuters and Business Leader Magazine. Rex offers a comprehensive wellness program that tests employee muscular endurance, functional movement, blood pressure and heart rate and personal wellness before designing a personalized plan. Amenities in the wellness facilities would not be out of place in a four-star hotel: whirlpools, indoor tracks, aerobic studios and steam rooms are included. Rex also offers services to manage employee stress, including massage, yoga and stress management. Enrollment at on-site child care is provided by the Rex Child Development Center. The hospital produces an annual nursing report that celebrates past excellence and looks to the next year for more success. Included in the annual report is a list of employees recognized for various accomplishments, including outstanding leadership, nursing excellence and GI nurse of the year.
Rothman Institute (Philadelphia)
Type of facility: Orthopedic practice
What makes it a Best Place to Work: In 2010, Rothman Institute was ranked as one of the top places to work in Pennsylvania by Central PA Business Journal. The company offers competitive compensation for employees to join its rapidly growing environment. Rothman Institute employees receive a benefits package that includes medical, dental, life and disability insurance. The company also offers 401(k) retirement savings, personal and sick days as well as holidays off from work. Finally, to makes sure each employee knows the importance of their role at Rothman Institute, the company holds superior employee appreciation events throughout the year. This year, 184 team members at Rothman Institute participated in the Arthritis Foundation's Jingle Ball Run/Walk 5K and raised more than $25,000, making the organization the top fundraiser nationwide for the event.
Rush University Medical Center (Chicago, Ill.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Named a top hospital by U.S. News & World Report, Rush University Medical Center remains one of Chicago's highest-ranked hospitals. An academic medical center that encompasses a 613-bed hospital, Rush University Medical Center prides itself on a "culture of inclusion," meaning the hospital makes significant effort to promote diversity. Seventy-two percent of employees are women, and 50 percent are minorities, reflecting the diversity of the Chicago neighborhood where Rush is located. Founded in 1991, the Rush ADA Task Force aims to implement policies for individuals with disabilities and has initiated at least 24 programs for improved access and services, as well as 19 disability training, outreach and education programs. The hospital offers an array of benefits, including tuition reimbursement — up to $5,000 per calendar year for up to six credit hours per semester for full-time employees. Staff may also take advantage of employability enhancement, which offers courses and training programs that do not lead to degrees but support current and future skills. The partner and child of any full-time Rush employee is eligible to receive pre-paid tuition for up to nine credit hours in any degree program at the Rush College of Nursing or Rush University.
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Memorial Healthcare System (Broward and Palm Beach County, Fla.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Since its inception in 1953, Memorial Healthcare System has strived to provide high-quality care to South Florida patients. It is currently the fifth-largest public healthcare system in the nation and employs more than 10,000 workers. The hospital's 2010 employee satisfaction survey ranked it in the 96th percentile nationwide, while the physician satisfaction survey placed the hospital in the 97th percentile. In order to continually build its team of loyal, enthusiastic staff, Memorial Healthcare System offers a $3,000 reward to employees who refer a candidate that is hired. The system also provides for employees seeking an RN or BSN at an accredited Florida university, as well as scholarships to employee dependents attending Broward College. Once employees accept a job at Memorial Healthcare System, they are eligible for an attractive sign-on bonus: up to $6,000 for qualified full-time and part-time positions. In addition to generous compensation, the system offers off-site fitness centers, cafeteria discounts, a day care center and premium pay for holiday work.
Methodist Health System (Dallas, Texas)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Methodist Health System is one of North Texas' oldest non-profit health systems. Founded in 1927, the system has expanded significantly since its early days. Methodist hosts a broad array of programs designed to provide employee recognition. The system's "Team Care = Team Share" incentive program rewards employees $300-$1,000 for meeting organizational goals. The "You Rock" day-to-day recognition program lets employees give a note to any co-worker, volunteer or physician to recognize their positive behavior. Methodist's RN refresher program tackles provider shortages by encouraging experienced nurses who have left the profession to return. On the administrative side, potential leaders are invited to take part in a "leadership intensive" led by senior executives and take advantage of in-house development opportunities valued at $5,000 per person. The system's wellness initiative provides tools and incentives to improve employee health, with a maximum pre-tax cash reward of $275 for the year.
Missoula Bone & Joint and Surgery Center (Missoula, Mont.)
Type of facility: Physician practice and ambulatory surgery center
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Missoula Bone & Joint Surgery Center has been providing the Missoula community with orthopedics services for 50 years. The center has an extremely low turnover rate — just 3.5 percent — and receives high ratings from staff on every aspect of employment at the center. Employees are invited to join several different committees focused on center improvement, including the process improvement committee and the expense committee, which gives employees input on cost reductions. Employees are also encouraged to nominate their co-workers for a monthly co-worker recognition program. The randomly-drawn winner receives a paid half day off and a gift certificate, and other nominated staff members receive a copy of their nomination. In addition to involving employees in process improvement, the center holds regular outings and events to encourage staff bonding. In Dec. 2010, the center held a craft fair for employees to display their work; in Nov. 2010, a barbecue provided a free lunch for employees. Benefits at Missoula Bone & Joint include health insurance paid at 100 percent, a $750 yearly allowance towards dental/vision and other medical expenses, paid time off, life insurance and long-term disability paid by the company and annual continuing education benefits. On the center's 2010 staff satisfaction survey, one employee said, "There really isn't anything I would change about my job at this time. I love that my schedule is flexible. I enjoy my coworkers/friends. I love the patient interaction I encounter and feel I have the ability to make a difference, yet I have a peaceful [and] quiet work environment that enables me to perform my job at an above satisfactory level."
Monongalia General Hospital (Morgantown, W.V.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Mon General Hospital, a 189-bed community hospital, is the cornerstone of the Mon Health System. The hospital recently completed a considerable expansion project, upon completion of which, the facility provided a celebration for staff and families. Open houses and tours of the new facility were offered, as well as live entertainment, refreshments, prizes and giveaways. In addition, over 80 employees with more than 30 years of service with MGH were honored at the grand opening's ribbon-cutting ceremony. In the last few years, the hospital has implemented a recognition program called Wonderful Opportunities Working that recognizes exceptional performance. When an employee sees another employee giving exceptional service, they can recognize the employee with a gift card that can be redeemed in the hospital gift shop or cafeteria. The hospital's "department of the quarter" program recognizes a winning department with an engraved plaque, recognition from administration and small reception for department members. Employees can participate in a wellness program that grants employees points for participation throughout the year. At the end of the year, those who meet the point requirements in three categories are eligible for a wellness cash payout. Staff and their spouses and children can also take part in biometric wellness screenings.
Nanticoke Health Services (Seaford, Del.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Employing 1,100 employees across three entities, Nanticoke Health Services runs a full-service community hospital, a long-term care facility and a network of employed physicians. The system has implemented several tools to communicate with its many providers, including a monthly newsletter, required staff meetings, quarterly town halls and a CEO blog posted on the employee intranet. An objective online performance evaluation tool was introduced to give evaluations a shorter turnaround time and provide clearer, standardized feedback. NHS' active employee activities committee plans regular events to promote staff bonding: Past events have included a bus trip to New York, a Halloween bowling party and employee walk teams at the AHA, ACS and Alzheimer's walks. Tracy Passwater, an ultrasound technologist at Nanticoke Health Services, had been with system for eight years when she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Ms. Passwater sought out the local newspaper to tell Nanticoke's story from the patient and employee perspective. "The people that work at this hospital, they do the same thing for everybody. It is just now I have had the shoe on the other foot, and I have been able to see it first hand," she says. "The majority of the people that work at this hospital were born and raised here; they have that sense of 'home' here."
Northeast Surgical Care (Newington, N.H.)
Type of facility: Ambulatory surgery center
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Northeast Surgical Care, a freestanding ASC that recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with an open house celebration for physicians and staff, features a single OR that regularly functions at maximum capacity. Despite a busy schedule, the center maintains a high level of employee satisfaction through growth opportunities as well as benefits, including 401(k) with employer-matched contributions, an annual holiday party and a family summer outing, says Cyndi Harris, administrator at Northeast Surgical Care. Physicians and staff members also make it a priority to give back to the community through frequent service opportunities such as blood drives, road races, golf tournaments, Coats for Kids, Toys for Tots and charity food collections. Satisfaction is felt not only by the employees, but by patients as well, a claim that is strongly backed up by the center's patient satisfaction surveys. "Patients often comment how professional and knowledgeable the staff is as well as how special they feel as though they are the only patient having surgery," Ms. Harris adds. "This atmosphere allows for a positive and less stressful environment for our patients when they are having surgery."
North Shore-LIJ Health System (Great Neck, N.Y.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: North Shore-LIJ Health System is the nation's second-largest, non-profit, secular healthcare system, with more than 42,000 team members serving 15 hospitals, ambulatory facilities and physician practices. On the heels of winning the prominent 2010 National Quality Healthcare Award from the NQF, North-Shore LIJ decided to inspire and thank its employees for contributing to the organizations' culture of quality. President and CEO Michael Dowling sent a video message to all employees, thanking them for their hard work, and North-Shore LIJ created a section on the employee Intranet that invited employees to share stories about the organization's "culture of quality." To encourage employee innovation and creativity, North Shore-LIJ established an "idea forum" that received more than 1,000 ideas from employees over the course of one year. The best ideas were chosen for recognition, and selected employees received $500 and a plaque. North-Shore LIJ offers a host of employee benefits, including a medical plan that covers 100 percent of health services provided at any North Shore-LIJ hospital and facility. The system was recently profiled as a leader in employee engagement in Closing the Engagement Gap, a book that highlights exceptional organizations in talent management.
NorthShore University HealthSystem (Evanston, Ill.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: A growing system in the prosperous North Shore suburbs of Chicago, NorthShore has annual revenue of over $1.5 billion and a staff of nearly 9,000. In 2003, it was one of the first hospital systems in the country to successfully launch a system-wide EMR. Since the implementation of the hospital's EMR, NorthShore has invested numerous resources in ensuring employee competency. One-on-one PC coaching and courses in Epic, API and ERA systems are offered to maintain software skills and increase employee comfort. The system also offers a variety of personal development courses, with titles like "Spanish Language for the Medical Professional" and "Giving and Receiving Feedback in Challenging Situations." Employees gather annually for Employee Appreciation Week and Nurses Week, which offer catered lunches, relaxation programs, award dinners and thank you gifts. Good food is never lacking at NorthShore: The system's guest chef program invites famous chefs from P.F. Changs, Wolfgang Puck Café and Maggiano's to work the grill at the hospital cafeteria.
NorthStar Surgical Center (Lubbock, Texas)
Type of facility: Ambulatory surgery center
What makes it a Best Place to Work: NorthStar Surgical Center prioritizes service by giving back to the local community and world at large. Service opportunities at NorthStar are manifested in many ways, including medical mission trips to Mexico, Honduras, Africa and Thailand. The center also makes itself available as a teaching partner for the healthcare community by serving as a rotation facility for clinical training programs through Covenant School of Nursing, Texas Tech University School of Nursing and the South Plains College Surgical Technology programs. A number of NorthStar employees also volunteer as mentors for local high school students interested in a career in healthcare through the Groundhog Day Shadow Program. "This is where I want to end my nursing career," says Vicki Ball, RN, director of nursing. "In my seven years here, I've found this to be the one facility where I can be the best nurse that I can be because at NorthStar we are empowered to be the best we can be."
Northwest Michigan Surgery Center (Traverse City, Mich.)
Type of facility: Ambulatory surgery center
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Developed by local physicians in partnership with Munson Medical Center, Northwest Michigan Surgery Center offers a host of services, including orthopedics, plastic surgery, ophthalmology, GI and ENT. According to clinical director Tina Piotrowski, RN, BSN, the physician-owners and Munson Medical Center instituted a 401(k) profit-sharing plan that, in essence, makes each employee a stakeholder in the center's success. Financial benefits are not limited to employees: According to Jim Bertoldi, controller, the center has provided over $300,000 in charity care and bad debt relief and has saved patients, Medicaid, Medicare, employers and commercial payors 40 percent in outpatient surgery expenses. "Our patient surveys speak loud and clear to the quality and care that our employees provide to the people in our community," says Gayle Bultsma, RN, CAPA. "'Expediency and efficiency blended with care and professionalism,' 'friendly and courteous staff' and 'well-organized' are just a few of the comments we routinely receive." To maintain a close-knit team and a comfortable atmosphere, the center staff regularly participates in local events as a team. In 2010, many staff members were involved in community activities such as the National Cherry Festival Run, the YMCA board, career fairs and volunteer events at the State Theatre. "The word is getting out that NMSC is both a top-notch center to receive care and a great place to work," Ms. Bultsma says.
Northwestern Memorial Hospital (Chicago, Ill.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Northwestern Memorial Hospital serves as the primary teaching hospital for Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. In terms of employee satisfaction, hospital administration says, "Our top priority is to be the very best place to work in healthcare." To accomplish this goal, Northwestern Memorial first brings in the very best candidates for its coveted positions. The Northwestern Memorial Mentoring Program, launched in 2002 for managers, began with a minority focus and has since expanded to include both minorities and non-minorities. Career development is facilitated through tuition assistance and discounts for full-time employees who attend certain Northwestern University classes. Through the system's training center, NM Academy, employees can take advantage of training sessions, conferences and professional development. Employee health is supported through wellness programs and offerings — such as incentives for successful completion of Weight Watchers — and a confidential disease management program for employees struggling with illness. Nurses at Northwestern Memorial can choose from a variety of flexible work options, which include three options for full-time work, three options for part-time work, casual work and a float pool. Many nursing units also offer a self-schedule option, meaning nurses are able to select the days on the upcoming schedule they want to work.
OrthoCarolina (Charlotte, N.C.)
Type of facility: Orthopedic practice
What makes it a Best Place to Work: With more than 11 practice locations, OrthoCarolina provides plenty of opportunity for clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals. The company encourages employees to continue education and pursue career advancement opportunities. Employees can also expect a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision and life insurance. OrthoCarolina employees have the opportunity to participate in a 401(k) and profit sharing plan. The practice has been recognized as a Platinum-Level Start! Fit-Friendly Company by the American Heart Association's Start! Movement for healthy employee lifestyles and was honored in 2010 as one of the best places to work by the Charlotte Business Journal. The company also offers a fellowship program in several orthopedic surgery areas, including spine surgery and sports medicine. This past year, OrthoCarolina physicians and physicians' assistants took trips to Haiti to provide orthopedic services to the country's underserved population.
OrthoIndy (Indianapolis)
Type of facility: Orthopedic practice
What makes it a Best Place to Work: OrthoIndy has 14 locations around Indiana and is focused on providing quality bone, joint, spine and muscle care. The practice environment fosters a team approach to providing care and provides opportunities for personal and professional growth for employees. Physicians and other healthcare professionals are encouraged to participate in the development of new procedures, techniques and other advances in healthcare. OrthoIndy provides employees with employer-sponsored health insurance, dental insurance and vision discount programs. Employees can also expect a 401(k) pension and profit sharing with matching program, paid time off, life insurance and disability insurance. To promote growth among employees, OrthoIndy offers a clinical ladder program, paid license renewal and other paid continuing education opportunities for full-time employees. OrthoIndy physicians have privileges at the company's Indiana Orthopaedic Hospital, which received the 5-star rating in total joint replacement from HealthGrades. OrthoIndy physicians provide coverage for high school, college and professional Indiana athletes.
Plastic Surgical Associates of Johnstown (Johnstown, Pa.)
Type of facility: Ambulatory surgery center
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Plastic Surgical Associates of Johnson focuses on soft tissue and cancer reconstruction, vein treatment, hand surgery, trauma, skin care and laser hair removal. The center staffs only 18 employees, and each staff member has direct responsibilities and can receive rewards for providing high-quality care. The center's non-profit corporation — Humans Empathetic to Less Fortunate People — raises money to help individuals with healthcare expenses not met by their personal or insurance funds. High-performing employees receive quarterly bonuses that equal a 20 percent increase in salary, and base pay scale is above average for all positions to ensure staff continuity. Lunch is provided on all employees' birthdays, and staff members are sent on yearly retreats to improve business practices and strengthen teamwork. Regular company parties involve employees, staff and children and foster a family atmosphere at the center. "The day-to-day life of an organization staff member is busy yet organized, and pleasurable, as we all feel like we are taking care of family (our patients) each day," says Daniel R. Nevarre, MD, center owner.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation (Palo Alto, Calif.)
Type of facility: Medical foundation
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Since its humble beginnings as a small clinic in downtown Palo Alto in the 1930s, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation has merged three distinct medical groups and currently employs more than 900 physicians. In 2010, PAMF was ranked one of the top 10 places to work in the Bay Area, in the first employee-based survey of Bay Area companies conducted by Workplace Dynamics and published in the June edition of the Bay Area News Group. PAMF placed first as the top non-profit workplace and sixth in the top 10 large companies to work for. PAMF tries to keep its finger on the pulse of community needs by providing a variety of programs that benefit the local area. In 2009, PAMF physicians and other healthcare experts collaborated to host a special pediatric health fair for patents of special needs children, and PAMF physician James Beckett, MD, spoke to youths about sun safety. The physicians and employees of PAMF organize, support and participate in a wide range of events that promote community health, including community blood pressure screenings, childhood obesity initiatives and parent education programs in local schools.
Poudre Valley Health System (Fort Collins, Colo.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Poudre Valley Health System is a regional healthcare system in northern Colorado consisting of two large hospitals — Poudre Valley Hospital and Medical Center of the Rockies. PVH has been designated a Magnet Hospital for Nursing Excellence since 2000; MCR earned the same designation in 2010. Poudre Valley Health System prides itself on a low voluntary turnover rate and rewards employee work with a variety of benefits, including birthday gift certificates, on-site massage therapy, a free on-site gym and special employee events. Throughout the year, employees can gather and celebrate PVHS' success at summer picnics, holiday parties, movies, a week recognizing nurses and hospital employees, grill days and themed dress days. The health system offers discount admission tickets to movies and theme parks, as well as discounts from local businesses that are "Friends of the Foundation." If PVHS reaches certain objectives, employees receive a performance bonus tied to the financial and operational success of the system. A reward and recognition program was established to acknowledge employees' individual efforts to improve patient care. Poudre Valley Health System is aware that alleviating employee fears is a crucial step in improving engagement. To keep employees relaxed and able to focus, PVHS offers local daycare center discounts, temporary subsidized child care in an employee's home and elder care and child care referrals through the system's Employee Assistance Program.
Renown Health (Reno, Nev.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Renown Health is northern Nevada's largest integrated health network, serving a 17-county region and operating four hospitals. The health network's recent expansion features a new child care center for employees and new employee housing to provide convenient living for qualified clinical professionals. Renown has been named one of the best places to work in the state by the Nevada Business Journal. Employees are connected to organizational decisions and events through physician, nurse and staff-specific newsletters, nursing assemblies and intranet employee forums. Employees are also encouraged to pursue professional development through online learning modules, computer skills training, postgraduate internships and continuing education workshops; eligible staff can also apply for tuition reimbursement. Shops at Renown include Starbucks and FreshBerry, and a workplace wellness program and fitness centers help employees stay active and healthy. Staff can also receive public transportation discounts and benefit from a 401(k) savings plan with employer match and a 529 College Savings Plan.
Rex Hospital (Raleigh, N.C.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Part of UNC Healthcare, Rex Hospital has 4,600 employees and more than 1,100 physicians on staff. The hospital has no shortage of awards for employee satisfaction: In the last 10 years, Rex has been recognized by Working Mother, Carolina Parent Magazine, Triangle Business Journal, Thomson Reuters and Business Leader Magazine. Rex offers a comprehensive wellness program that tests employee muscular endurance, functional movement, blood pressure and heart rate and personal wellness before designing a personalized plan. Amenities in the wellness facilities would not be out of place in a four-star hotel: whirlpools, indoor tracks, aerobic studios and steam rooms are included. Rex also offers services to manage employee stress, including massage, yoga and stress management. Enrollment at on-site child care is provided by the Rex Child Development Center. The hospital produces an annual nursing report that celebrates past excellence and looks to the next year for more success. Included in the annual report is a list of employees recognized for various accomplishments, including outstanding leadership, nursing excellence and GI nurse of the year.
Rothman Institute (Philadelphia)
Type of facility: Orthopedic practice
What makes it a Best Place to Work: In 2010, Rothman Institute was ranked as one of the top places to work in Pennsylvania by Central PA Business Journal. The company offers competitive compensation for employees to join its rapidly growing environment. Rothman Institute employees receive a benefits package that includes medical, dental, life and disability insurance. The company also offers 401(k) retirement savings, personal and sick days as well as holidays off from work. Finally, to makes sure each employee knows the importance of their role at Rothman Institute, the company holds superior employee appreciation events throughout the year. This year, 184 team members at Rothman Institute participated in the Arthritis Foundation's Jingle Ball Run/Walk 5K and raised more than $25,000, making the organization the top fundraiser nationwide for the event.
Rush University Medical Center (Chicago, Ill.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Named a top hospital by U.S. News & World Report, Rush University Medical Center remains one of Chicago's highest-ranked hospitals. An academic medical center that encompasses a 613-bed hospital, Rush University Medical Center prides itself on a "culture of inclusion," meaning the hospital makes significant effort to promote diversity. Seventy-two percent of employees are women, and 50 percent are minorities, reflecting the diversity of the Chicago neighborhood where Rush is located. Founded in 1991, the Rush ADA Task Force aims to implement policies for individuals with disabilities and has initiated at least 24 programs for improved access and services, as well as 19 disability training, outreach and education programs. The hospital offers an array of benefits, including tuition reimbursement — up to $5,000 per calendar year for up to six credit hours per semester for full-time employees. Staff may also take advantage of employability enhancement, which offers courses and training programs that do not lead to degrees but support current and future skills. The partner and child of any full-time Rush employee is eligible to receive pre-paid tuition for up to nine credit hours in any degree program at the Rush College of Nursing or Rush University.