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Sacred Heart Hospital (Eau Claire, Wis.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Sacred Heart Hospital, an affiliate of Hospital Sisters Health System, is a 344-licensed bed acute care hospital that provides trauma center and regional cancer center services. Many of the hospital’s creative initiatives center around employee recognition. Each year, the hospital distributes a free frozen turkey to each colleague on staff in the week before Thanksgiving, and each staff member also receives a gift at the hospital’s annual Christmas dinner. August means the annual colleague appreciation picnic, where hospital staff and families gather on the hospital’s back lawn for ribs, chicken and live music. Each month, the hospital holds a 20-minute recognition ceremony where leaders recognize teams and individuals who have exceeded expectations; one star member is awarded the "employee of the month" special parking space, and others are given certificates and gift cards. Hospital leaders also send out weekly thank you notes to outstanding employees' homes, and top performers are invited to attend leadership conferences and hospital award ceremonies. Aside from employee recognition, Sacred Heart staff are encouraged to keep themselves healthy by participating in a nurse-led wellness initiative. The initiative includes diet and nutrition coaches, exercise consultants, BMI and cholesterol testing and smoking cessation programs, and those who participate are eligible for additional vacation time hours. A 25 percent discount on tuition at the local Catholic daycare gives staff with young children a convenient option for child care.
Saint Thomas Health Services (Nashville, Tenn.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Saint Thomas Health Services is a leading faith-based healthcare system in Tennessee and is part of Ascension Health, one of the largest non-profit healthcare systems in the country. The system's four hospitals include Saint Thomas and Baptist Hospitals in Nashville, Middle Tennessee Medical Center in Murfreesboro and Hickman Community Hospital in Centerville. Employees at Saint Thomas Health Services benefit from money management assistance in addition to other benefits. The system's partnership with First Tennessee Bank offers an innovative "work perks" program that includes workplace banking, personal services, financial planning advice and free workshops. The system also grants employees free credit consultation and debt counseling. Saving for retirement can start on the first day of employment at Saint Thomas; after one year, STHS begins contributing too. To recognize the efforts of its employees, Saint Thomas has implemented a "star program," which recognizes special efforts by employees, and a service recognition program, which recognizes employee commitment for every five years of service.
Scripps Health (San Diego, Calif.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: This five-hospital, non-profit system has more than 12,000 employees and offers unique benefits and employment perks, including phased retirement and flexible scheduling. Along with a wellness program and medical coverage, Scripps offers extensive benefits to its employees, including identity theft protection, pet insurance and career advancement services offered at its Center for Learning and Innovation. Employees can also take advantage of savings on shopping, dining, theme parks, movie tickets, computers and clothing, among other services. The system has been named one of "100 Best Companies to Work For" by FORTUNE magazine for three years in a row and has ranked on the "Working Mother 100 Best Employers List" from 2005-2010 by Working Mother Magazine. More than 25 percent of Scripps employees have been with the health system for more than 20 years, and approximately 10 percent have worked with Scripps for more than 20 years. The health system is also a great fit for older employees, as 28 percent of the Scripps workforce is age 50 or older.
South Nassau Communities Hospital (Oceanside, N.Y.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: South Nassau Communities Hospital is one of the region's largest hospitals, with 435 beds, 2,800 employees and more than 875 physicians. Feedback is encouraged throughout employees' tenure at South Nassau: Every year, the hospital holds an administrative town hall meeting where staff members are invited for a Q&A forum. The hospital sends out various publications to staff, including the Intercom employee newsletter, which describes recent staff events and celebrates employee anniversaries with the hospital. For example, the summer 2010 issue of Intercom listed the winners for Hospital Week Games 2010, which featured an eating contest, a toilet paper pull and a basketball toss. In 2010, over 1,600 employees participated in South Nassau's employee satisfaction survey. The results indicated that 83 percent were generally or extremely satisfied with working at the hospital. South Nassau has developed multiple ways to appreciate and recognize its staff, including a week-long celebration for staff called Hospital Week, which consists of various themed days, games and a service awards dinner. On employee birthdays, employees receive birthday cards signed by the president and CEO. The hospital will reimburse full-time employees with up to $2,500 of tuition each calendar year; in 2010, South Nassau provided reimbursement for education to employees in the amount of approximately $251,000. "Whether your work involves direct patient care, or whether you contribute to the delivery of quality care through environmental services, food and nutrition, engineering, security, central sterile supply or one of numerous other important support roles, you are vital to our overall patient and visitor experience," says Joseph Quagliata, South Nassau's president and CEO.
Stanford Hospitals & Clinics (Palo Alto, Calif.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Stanford Hospitals & Clinics supports and empowers its employees to maintain a healthy balance between work and non-work activities. Employees are given a free VTA Eco Pass to use the VTA buses and light rail, access to the system's Health Improvement Program and onsite elder care and child care consultation and programs. The company also offers employees access to the Stanford recreational facilities, which include recreation centers, climbing walls, an aquatic center and golf course. The hospital provides a wide range of career opportunities and encourages employees on a path toward personal growth and development. The Stanford Center for Education and Professional Development also offers continuing educational courses throughout the year in for physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals with the goal of creating an environment that promotes excellence in patient care.
St. Cloud Hospital (St. Cloud, Minn.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Founded in 1886 by the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict, St. Cloud Hospital serves a population of more than 650,000 and employs more than 4,300 staff members. The average length of service of nurses at the hospital is 11 years. St. Cloud prides itself on providing a family-friendly workplace and offers a lactation program, employee discounts at local business, child care support at local day care centers, birthing education class rate reduction and adoption benefits. The clinical nursing ladder program at St. Cloud is designed to empower nurses who want to pursue leadership roles; the program is self-governed by a registered nurse from each hospital area and has been successful in appointing nurse leaders for 15 years. The hospital also promotes nursing research by holding journal clubs, hosting brown bag research presentations featuring hospital RNs and faculty and providing assistance from librarians with literature reviews. The hospital's wellness program includes rewards for employees who take part in wellness challenges and health coaching; employees who accumulate 500 points through participation can earn $100 credit in their medical plan or $50 cash.
St. Joseph's Healthcare System (Paterson, N.J.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: St. Joseph's Healthcare System is an integrated, multi-disciplinary healthcare system that employs more people than any other organization in Passiac County. The hospital's retention rate sits at 9.8 percent, two percent better the national average of 11.7 percent, and its nursing vacancy rate is less than one percent. The hospital credits its excellence in nursing to its belief in shared governance, manifested through the appointment of nursing representatives to many hospital committees. In 2011, St. Joseph's employees and their dependents are forecast to pay only 15 percent of their healthcare expenses, while the system will pay for the remaining 84 percent. The system's Wellness at Work Committee sponsors monthly wellness programs, educational fairs, free screenings and vaccinations. The system's generous tuition assistance program benefitted over 200 employees in 2009-2010, with each receiving an average tuition benefit of $2,000. One staff member said about the system's professional development program, "St. Joseph's has supported me through several career changes and has always allowed the flexibility I needed to balance my personal and professional lives. I consider the staff at St. Joseph's to be my second family. It is obvious that St. Joseph's is a different kind of organization, and I could never imagine myself working anywhere else."
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (Memphis, Tenn.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Ranked the number one children's cancer hospital by U.S. News & World Report for the last two years, St. Jude is the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. The hospital was ranked one of the 100 best companies to work for by Fortune in 2011. St. Jude offers generous insurance benefits, including two medical insurance plan options, 100 percent-covered preventive and diagnostic orthodontic care for adults and children, life insurance and disability insurance. The hospital also provides a tuition reimbursement program for full-time employees who have completed one year of service prior to the beginning of the school term. An on-site credit union gives staff members access to banking services. Nursing at St. Jude is particularly well-regarded; nursing benefits include low nurse-to-patient ratios in all units, three weeks paid vacation, a 10-12 week orientation and a four-step clinical ladder advancement program. According to nurse employees, St. Jude's policy of shared decision making gives a voice to every employee by the patient's bedside, rather than giving managers unilateral decision on clinical care. Nurses can contribute opinions by attending staff meetings and serving on support, steering or their particular unit councils.
St. Luke's Hospital (St. Louis)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: The employees of St. Luke's are immersed in what they call a FACES Culture: Friendly, Available, Caring and Safe. The 493-bed hospital offers competitive and flexible benefit packages, including loan forgiveness for select positions and an employee crisis fund. With a mission to improve the health of the community, St. Luke's has adopted a smoke-free hospital campus and offers smoking cessation classes. It has received recognition for its outstanding employee engagement and job satisfaction scores by HR Solutions, an international management consulting firm, and was also named as a best place to work by the St. Louis Business Journal in 2010. Employees say the hospital is an open and communicative environment with friendly people, offering an environment of compassion that is truly remarkable.
Summit Ambulatory Surgical Centers (Central Maryland)
Type of facility: Ambulatory surgery center
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Summit Ambulatory Surgical Centers is the 14-ASC arm of Chesapeake Urology Associates, the largest urologic practice in Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic Region. The centers' leaders take very good care of their employees, according to Erica Maytas, RN, Kathy Lyons, RN, Janette Class, RN, and Sue Spurlock, RN, regional nursing directors, and Stacy Zemencik, director of nursing, for Summit ASC. Chesapeake Urology has just a six percent turnover rate, well below industry averages. This is unsurprising considering the generous employee perks in addition to regular benefits. Employees who pitch ideas which are integrated into operations receive rewards. Offices which exceed patient expectations earn special breakfasts. Employees receive awards for milestone anniversaries with the organization. There's an annual Christmas bonus program and ongoing training and development for staff.
Sutter Alhambra Surgery Center (Sacramento, Calif.)
Type of facility: Ambulatory surgery center
What makes it great: Sutter Alhambra Surgery Center, which is partnered with Surgical Care Affiliates and Sutter Health, has recently achieved re-accreditation by the AAAHC, houses three ORs and has more than 20 orthopedic surgeons using the facility. Staff members attribute their pleasure in working at SASC to the clinical expertise of their colleagues and the surgeons' concern and care for their staff members. "The surgeons are very supportive of the teammates," says Denis Garrison, RN, OR charge nurse at SASC. "They are genuinely concerned about [staff members'] benefits, enough hours worked and overall job satisfaction, which is a rare commodity." SASC ensures employees receive a full package of benefits, including medical, dental and vision benefits and 401(k). Other staff members says the management company's professionalism and willingness to be a "hands-on" company has been another factor in making SASC a great place to work for its staff members. "It is a rare characteristic to have a large successful company be so organized and on top of things, yet remain actively involved with, concerned and knowledgeable of the teammates," says Wendy Theisner, RN, director of nursing.
Texas Back Institute (Plano, Texas)
Type of facility: Specialty clinic
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Texas Back Institute is one of the largest free-standing spine specialty clinics in the United States, offering a range of services to treat back and neck pain. The Institute's team is made up of more than 150 physicians and staff. TBI prides itself on its ability to offer flexible hours, allowing employees to take time off work for school activities or sporting events. The facility also attempts to promote from within whenever possible and provide its employees with a strong support system. In Aug. 2008, the facility welcomed its first female spine surgeon, one of the only women to practice spine in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. TBI actively seeks out opportunities to bring team members together: in Aug. 2010, TBI leaders encouraged staff to come together and collect items for victims of domestic violence at a local shelter. Other events, such as National Spine Health Day and the 10-year anniversary of artificial disc replacement, are recognized and celebrated by the facility. TBI's benefits include a choice of medical and dental plans, a company-matched 401(k), paid time off and short- and long-term disability.
Tulsa Spine & Specialty Hospital (Tulsa, Okla.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Tulsa Spine & Specialty Hospital, a physician-owned specialty hospital, is coming up on its 10th anniversary year. Since opening its doors, the hospital has grown from a spine-only facility to a multi-specialty facility and has led northeast Oklahoma for several years in HCAHPS scores. In early Feb. 2011, the facility came together during a record snowstorm and freezing temperatures. Individuals stayed at the hospital for several days without going home, performing duties they had never done before in the absence of food, linen and supply delivery. "It was a time of 'What do you need me to do?' and, 'How can I help?'," says Trent Gastineau, project manager at TSSH. The hospital offers medical and dental benefits, as well as 401(k) with employer matching contributions and short- and long-term disability benefits. Employees are also invited to participate in profit-sharing, spring and fall cookouts for employee families, assistance with scrub purchases, payroll deductions for cafeteria purchases and an annual Christmas Party. "One benefit that shows the facility's and employees' commitment to one another is the Rainy Day Fund," Mr. Gastineau says. "This is a fund overseen by employees for employees." Fundraisers, such as chili cook-offs and raffles, are held throughout the year to raise money for the fund; the earnings are then given to employees who experience financial difficulties such as the death of a family member, extensive car repairs or long-term illness.
Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals (Philadelphia)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, a 957-bed academic medical center within the Jefferson Health System, services patients in Philadelphia and the surrounding area. The hospital holds the prestigious MAGNET recognition for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center and provides numerous opportunities for nurses seeking credentialing or higher education. Many nurses at Thomas Jefferson complete their BSNs or finish their master's degrees at Thomas Jefferson University's College of Health Professions, and external and internal tuition assistance is available to full-time employees. While the real attractions at Jefferson are "the spirit of caring and camaraderie," according to one employee, the hospital also offers discounted mass transit passes, a cafeteria meal plan, prescription drug benefits and — perhaps best of all — a farmer's market. The hospital also offers a 12-month administrative fellowship program to individuals pursuing leadership roles. Fellows in the program work side-by-side with senior leaders at the hospital to develop management skills and implement innovative approaches for delivering high-quality care.
UnaSource Surgery Center (Troy, Mich.)
Type of facility: Ambulatory surgery center
What makes it a Best Place to Work: UnaSource Surgery Center is a multi-specialty outpatient facility that offers physicians specializing in cardiology, GI, general surgery, gynecology, otolaryngology, orthopedics, plastics/reconstructive surgery, podiatry and urology. USC was named the 2010 #1 Small Business Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press, marking the third consecutive year USC has made the list. In 2008, the center landed the number two spot on the list; in 2009, it reached number one for the first time. "The bottom line is that our team members give 110 percent to UnaSource and know that the center will give 110 percent in return," says Amie Starkey, executive director of the center. "The team is also like family — most have worked together since we opened seven years ago and everyone knows about each other's families, struggles and successes." For the past two holiday seasons, the USC staff has taken up a collection and made a donation to a charitable organization and the family of a deceased team member. In 2010, the team raised $1,190 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association by sponsoring a USC team member who participated in the charity's "Locked Up" campaign. Creative benefits include monthly birthday celebrations, daily Starbucks coffee and breakfast fare, an annual Detroit Tigers baseball outing for family and staff and a yearly employee appreciation week.
University of Chicago Medical Center (Chicago, Ill.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Affiliated with the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, the University of Chicago Medical Center has 532 beds, more than 9,500 employees and more than 700 attending physicians. Nurses at UCMC earn among the highest salaries in the greater Chicago area, and employees are encouraged to pursue educational opportunities — everything from safety seminars to the award-winning UCMC Academy to onsite degree completion programs. New full-time employees receive up to three weeks paid vacation per year, plus five paid personal holidays, adding up to essentially four weeks of vacation time. Employees also receive 10 sick days per year. UCMC employees can choose to have pre-tax dollars deducted from their paychecks to cover out-of-pocket transportation costs; the transportation program covers up to $230 in parking expenses and $230 a month in public transportation costs. Registered nurses who have completed between six months and one year at UCMC are eligible for one paid continuing education day and $100 reimbursement for continuing education expenses, and compensation only increases as nurses gain more tenure. Staff members are also invited to participate in local community fairs, free health screenings and regular health seminars to boost wellness.
University of Washington Medical Center (Seattle, Wash.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: UW Medical Center is the flagship of UW Medicine, which owns or operates three hospitals and is affiliated with the University of Washington School of Medicine. UW Medical Center employees can take advantage of a variety of wellness services under the umbrella of the UWellness program. For a workout, employees can visit the on-campus health club, golf driving range, waterfront activities center and other facilities; to increase control over their own health, staff can take advantage of counseling and support, classes and educational materials, smoking cessation services and weight management. UWMC also gives its employees free, confidential counseling, financial and legal services, and the Hometown Home Loan Project gives staff assistance with home-buying. Course tuition at the University of Washington is waived for staff for up to six credits per quarter, and employees can polish their skills with training courses, workshops and e-learning. UW Children's Centers offer childcare services to parents on staff, and Virginia Mason Sick Childcare offers free care to children under 12 who are mildly ill.
West Bloomfield Surgery Center, d.b.a. Lake Surgery Center (West Bloomfield, Mich.)
Type of facility: Ambulatory surgery center
What makes it a Best Place to Work: West Bloomfield Surgery Center, which services the Detroit metropolitan area, is the highest-ranked ASC for employee satisfaction in the National Surgical Hospital family of surgery centers, and was ranked first overall for all of NSH's facilities, according to Anne Hargrave-Thomas, administrator/CEO of the ASC. This high level of satisfaction is reflected in year-over-year improvement in physician satisfaction and the facility's turnover rate, which is below the national average. The leadership team of West Bloomfield Surgery Center, which has four ORs and two procedure rooms, provides numerous opportunities for staff members to share their observations and suggestions through the use of general staff meetings, rounding, departmental meetings and a suggestion box. "Using [the Studer Group's] five pillars it can be shown that employee satisfaction is paramount to improving quality, growth, service, finance and people," she says. "Great communication with the employees at our facility has led to improved employee satisfaction which ultimately improved our quality, service, financial and people pillars." Employees at The Joint Commission-accredited ASC are mentored and receive cross-training and continued education to help move their skill set to the next level, says Ms. Hargrave-Thomas.
The Virginia Spine Institute (Reston, Va.)
Type of facility: Spine center
What makes it a Great Place to Work: The Virginia Spine Institute is a 26,000-square-foot center for spinal healthcare in the Washington, D.C. metro area. To increase its reach in the local community, VSI has developed a formal volunteer program for employees, which encourages the entire staff to donate items and participate in events with the local YMCA, the public school system, little league teams and many other local charities. In 2010, the team at VSI contributed over 1,000 hours of community service. Recently, the Institute established a community education lecture series, to be conducted on a monthly basis throughout 2011 and feature physician-led topics that benefit the community. Employees say this dedication to community involvement strengthens ties between VSI staff and involves staff in the mission, vision and values of the facility. In 2010, VSI took steps to turn its core values into an integral part of the employee experience, rather than simply "words on a wall." To do so, VSI asked employees to share stories about how the facility's core values ¬— caring, excellence, leadership, teamwork, innovation and comprehensive care — affect day-to-day life in the workplace. Employee benefits include an onsite fitness facility, Pilates classes, personal training and discounted on-site nutritionist and massage therapists.
Yale-New Haven Hospital (New Haven, Conn.).
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Yale-New Haven Hospital is the 944-bed flagship of three-hospital Yale-New Haven Health System, which commands a 20.5 percent market share for the whole state. The hospital has been named one of the 100 best companies for working mothers by Working Mother magazine, one of the top 30 companies for executive women by the National Association of Female Executives and one of the best employers for workers over 50 by AARP. Employees are recognized by various programs, including an annual merit pay program, year-end bonuses based on the overall performance of the organization, special achievement awards and a mutual respect committee — one of several programs designed to welcome employee feedback and encourage communication between staff and management. The Yale-New Haven Hospital Daycare Center is available to employees with children aged three months to five years, and employees who work 24 hours or more per week are eligible for adoption assistance of up to $6,000 per child. Employees can also save money on taxes by electing a pre-tax paycheck deduction of up to $115 a month to apply toward commuting expenses. Employees who refer a nursing or allied professional — who is subsequently hired — to YNHH are eligible for a referring bonus of up to $3,000.
Please contact Rachel Fields at rachel@beckersasc.com with any questions.
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Sacred Heart Hospital (Eau Claire, Wis.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Sacred Heart Hospital, an affiliate of Hospital Sisters Health System, is a 344-licensed bed acute care hospital that provides trauma center and regional cancer center services. Many of the hospital’s creative initiatives center around employee recognition. Each year, the hospital distributes a free frozen turkey to each colleague on staff in the week before Thanksgiving, and each staff member also receives a gift at the hospital’s annual Christmas dinner. August means the annual colleague appreciation picnic, where hospital staff and families gather on the hospital’s back lawn for ribs, chicken and live music. Each month, the hospital holds a 20-minute recognition ceremony where leaders recognize teams and individuals who have exceeded expectations; one star member is awarded the "employee of the month" special parking space, and others are given certificates and gift cards. Hospital leaders also send out weekly thank you notes to outstanding employees' homes, and top performers are invited to attend leadership conferences and hospital award ceremonies. Aside from employee recognition, Sacred Heart staff are encouraged to keep themselves healthy by participating in a nurse-led wellness initiative. The initiative includes diet and nutrition coaches, exercise consultants, BMI and cholesterol testing and smoking cessation programs, and those who participate are eligible for additional vacation time hours. A 25 percent discount on tuition at the local Catholic daycare gives staff with young children a convenient option for child care.
Saint Thomas Health Services (Nashville, Tenn.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Saint Thomas Health Services is a leading faith-based healthcare system in Tennessee and is part of Ascension Health, one of the largest non-profit healthcare systems in the country. The system's four hospitals include Saint Thomas and Baptist Hospitals in Nashville, Middle Tennessee Medical Center in Murfreesboro and Hickman Community Hospital in Centerville. Employees at Saint Thomas Health Services benefit from money management assistance in addition to other benefits. The system's partnership with First Tennessee Bank offers an innovative "work perks" program that includes workplace banking, personal services, financial planning advice and free workshops. The system also grants employees free credit consultation and debt counseling. Saving for retirement can start on the first day of employment at Saint Thomas; after one year, STHS begins contributing too. To recognize the efforts of its employees, Saint Thomas has implemented a "star program," which recognizes special efforts by employees, and a service recognition program, which recognizes employee commitment for every five years of service.
Scripps Health (San Diego, Calif.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: This five-hospital, non-profit system has more than 12,000 employees and offers unique benefits and employment perks, including phased retirement and flexible scheduling. Along with a wellness program and medical coverage, Scripps offers extensive benefits to its employees, including identity theft protection, pet insurance and career advancement services offered at its Center for Learning and Innovation. Employees can also take advantage of savings on shopping, dining, theme parks, movie tickets, computers and clothing, among other services. The system has been named one of "100 Best Companies to Work For" by FORTUNE magazine for three years in a row and has ranked on the "Working Mother 100 Best Employers List" from 2005-2010 by Working Mother Magazine. More than 25 percent of Scripps employees have been with the health system for more than 20 years, and approximately 10 percent have worked with Scripps for more than 20 years. The health system is also a great fit for older employees, as 28 percent of the Scripps workforce is age 50 or older.
South Nassau Communities Hospital (Oceanside, N.Y.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: South Nassau Communities Hospital is one of the region's largest hospitals, with 435 beds, 2,800 employees and more than 875 physicians. Feedback is encouraged throughout employees' tenure at South Nassau: Every year, the hospital holds an administrative town hall meeting where staff members are invited for a Q&A forum. The hospital sends out various publications to staff, including the Intercom employee newsletter, which describes recent staff events and celebrates employee anniversaries with the hospital. For example, the summer 2010 issue of Intercom listed the winners for Hospital Week Games 2010, which featured an eating contest, a toilet paper pull and a basketball toss. In 2010, over 1,600 employees participated in South Nassau's employee satisfaction survey. The results indicated that 83 percent were generally or extremely satisfied with working at the hospital. South Nassau has developed multiple ways to appreciate and recognize its staff, including a week-long celebration for staff called Hospital Week, which consists of various themed days, games and a service awards dinner. On employee birthdays, employees receive birthday cards signed by the president and CEO. The hospital will reimburse full-time employees with up to $2,500 of tuition each calendar year; in 2010, South Nassau provided reimbursement for education to employees in the amount of approximately $251,000. "Whether your work involves direct patient care, or whether you contribute to the delivery of quality care through environmental services, food and nutrition, engineering, security, central sterile supply or one of numerous other important support roles, you are vital to our overall patient and visitor experience," says Joseph Quagliata, South Nassau's president and CEO.
Stanford Hospitals & Clinics (Palo Alto, Calif.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Stanford Hospitals & Clinics supports and empowers its employees to maintain a healthy balance between work and non-work activities. Employees are given a free VTA Eco Pass to use the VTA buses and light rail, access to the system's Health Improvement Program and onsite elder care and child care consultation and programs. The company also offers employees access to the Stanford recreational facilities, which include recreation centers, climbing walls, an aquatic center and golf course. The hospital provides a wide range of career opportunities and encourages employees on a path toward personal growth and development. The Stanford Center for Education and Professional Development also offers continuing educational courses throughout the year in for physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals with the goal of creating an environment that promotes excellence in patient care.
St. Cloud Hospital (St. Cloud, Minn.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Founded in 1886 by the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict, St. Cloud Hospital serves a population of more than 650,000 and employs more than 4,300 staff members. The average length of service of nurses at the hospital is 11 years. St. Cloud prides itself on providing a family-friendly workplace and offers a lactation program, employee discounts at local business, child care support at local day care centers, birthing education class rate reduction and adoption benefits. The clinical nursing ladder program at St. Cloud is designed to empower nurses who want to pursue leadership roles; the program is self-governed by a registered nurse from each hospital area and has been successful in appointing nurse leaders for 15 years. The hospital also promotes nursing research by holding journal clubs, hosting brown bag research presentations featuring hospital RNs and faculty and providing assistance from librarians with literature reviews. The hospital's wellness program includes rewards for employees who take part in wellness challenges and health coaching; employees who accumulate 500 points through participation can earn $100 credit in their medical plan or $50 cash.
St. Joseph's Healthcare System (Paterson, N.J.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: St. Joseph's Healthcare System is an integrated, multi-disciplinary healthcare system that employs more people than any other organization in Passiac County. The hospital's retention rate sits at 9.8 percent, two percent better the national average of 11.7 percent, and its nursing vacancy rate is less than one percent. The hospital credits its excellence in nursing to its belief in shared governance, manifested through the appointment of nursing representatives to many hospital committees. In 2011, St. Joseph's employees and their dependents are forecast to pay only 15 percent of their healthcare expenses, while the system will pay for the remaining 84 percent. The system's Wellness at Work Committee sponsors monthly wellness programs, educational fairs, free screenings and vaccinations. The system's generous tuition assistance program benefitted over 200 employees in 2009-2010, with each receiving an average tuition benefit of $2,000. One staff member said about the system's professional development program, "St. Joseph's has supported me through several career changes and has always allowed the flexibility I needed to balance my personal and professional lives. I consider the staff at St. Joseph's to be my second family. It is obvious that St. Joseph's is a different kind of organization, and I could never imagine myself working anywhere else."
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (Memphis, Tenn.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Ranked the number one children's cancer hospital by U.S. News & World Report for the last two years, St. Jude is the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. The hospital was ranked one of the 100 best companies to work for by Fortune in 2011. St. Jude offers generous insurance benefits, including two medical insurance plan options, 100 percent-covered preventive and diagnostic orthodontic care for adults and children, life insurance and disability insurance. The hospital also provides a tuition reimbursement program for full-time employees who have completed one year of service prior to the beginning of the school term. An on-site credit union gives staff members access to banking services. Nursing at St. Jude is particularly well-regarded; nursing benefits include low nurse-to-patient ratios in all units, three weeks paid vacation, a 10-12 week orientation and a four-step clinical ladder advancement program. According to nurse employees, St. Jude's policy of shared decision making gives a voice to every employee by the patient's bedside, rather than giving managers unilateral decision on clinical care. Nurses can contribute opinions by attending staff meetings and serving on support, steering or their particular unit councils.
St. Luke's Hospital (St. Louis)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: The employees of St. Luke's are immersed in what they call a FACES Culture: Friendly, Available, Caring and Safe. The 493-bed hospital offers competitive and flexible benefit packages, including loan forgiveness for select positions and an employee crisis fund. With a mission to improve the health of the community, St. Luke's has adopted a smoke-free hospital campus and offers smoking cessation classes. It has received recognition for its outstanding employee engagement and job satisfaction scores by HR Solutions, an international management consulting firm, and was also named as a best place to work by the St. Louis Business Journal in 2010. Employees say the hospital is an open and communicative environment with friendly people, offering an environment of compassion that is truly remarkable.
Summit Ambulatory Surgical Centers (Central Maryland)
Type of facility: Ambulatory surgery center
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Summit Ambulatory Surgical Centers is the 14-ASC arm of Chesapeake Urology Associates, the largest urologic practice in Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic Region. The centers' leaders take very good care of their employees, according to Erica Maytas, RN, Kathy Lyons, RN, Janette Class, RN, and Sue Spurlock, RN, regional nursing directors, and Stacy Zemencik, director of nursing, for Summit ASC. Chesapeake Urology has just a six percent turnover rate, well below industry averages. This is unsurprising considering the generous employee perks in addition to regular benefits. Employees who pitch ideas which are integrated into operations receive rewards. Offices which exceed patient expectations earn special breakfasts. Employees receive awards for milestone anniversaries with the organization. There's an annual Christmas bonus program and ongoing training and development for staff.
Sutter Alhambra Surgery Center (Sacramento, Calif.)
Type of facility: Ambulatory surgery center
What makes it great: Sutter Alhambra Surgery Center, which is partnered with Surgical Care Affiliates and Sutter Health, has recently achieved re-accreditation by the AAAHC, houses three ORs and has more than 20 orthopedic surgeons using the facility. Staff members attribute their pleasure in working at SASC to the clinical expertise of their colleagues and the surgeons' concern and care for their staff members. "The surgeons are very supportive of the teammates," says Denis Garrison, RN, OR charge nurse at SASC. "They are genuinely concerned about [staff members'] benefits, enough hours worked and overall job satisfaction, which is a rare commodity." SASC ensures employees receive a full package of benefits, including medical, dental and vision benefits and 401(k). Other staff members says the management company's professionalism and willingness to be a "hands-on" company has been another factor in making SASC a great place to work for its staff members. "It is a rare characteristic to have a large successful company be so organized and on top of things, yet remain actively involved with, concerned and knowledgeable of the teammates," says Wendy Theisner, RN, director of nursing.
Texas Back Institute (Plano, Texas)
Type of facility: Specialty clinic
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Texas Back Institute is one of the largest free-standing spine specialty clinics in the United States, offering a range of services to treat back and neck pain. The Institute's team is made up of more than 150 physicians and staff. TBI prides itself on its ability to offer flexible hours, allowing employees to take time off work for school activities or sporting events. The facility also attempts to promote from within whenever possible and provide its employees with a strong support system. In Aug. 2008, the facility welcomed its first female spine surgeon, one of the only women to practice spine in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. TBI actively seeks out opportunities to bring team members together: in Aug. 2010, TBI leaders encouraged staff to come together and collect items for victims of domestic violence at a local shelter. Other events, such as National Spine Health Day and the 10-year anniversary of artificial disc replacement, are recognized and celebrated by the facility. TBI's benefits include a choice of medical and dental plans, a company-matched 401(k), paid time off and short- and long-term disability.
Tulsa Spine & Specialty Hospital (Tulsa, Okla.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Tulsa Spine & Specialty Hospital, a physician-owned specialty hospital, is coming up on its 10th anniversary year. Since opening its doors, the hospital has grown from a spine-only facility to a multi-specialty facility and has led northeast Oklahoma for several years in HCAHPS scores. In early Feb. 2011, the facility came together during a record snowstorm and freezing temperatures. Individuals stayed at the hospital for several days without going home, performing duties they had never done before in the absence of food, linen and supply delivery. "It was a time of 'What do you need me to do?' and, 'How can I help?'," says Trent Gastineau, project manager at TSSH. The hospital offers medical and dental benefits, as well as 401(k) with employer matching contributions and short- and long-term disability benefits. Employees are also invited to participate in profit-sharing, spring and fall cookouts for employee families, assistance with scrub purchases, payroll deductions for cafeteria purchases and an annual Christmas Party. "One benefit that shows the facility's and employees' commitment to one another is the Rainy Day Fund," Mr. Gastineau says. "This is a fund overseen by employees for employees." Fundraisers, such as chili cook-offs and raffles, are held throughout the year to raise money for the fund; the earnings are then given to employees who experience financial difficulties such as the death of a family member, extensive car repairs or long-term illness.
Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals (Philadelphia)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, a 957-bed academic medical center within the Jefferson Health System, services patients in Philadelphia and the surrounding area. The hospital holds the prestigious MAGNET recognition for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center and provides numerous opportunities for nurses seeking credentialing or higher education. Many nurses at Thomas Jefferson complete their BSNs or finish their master's degrees at Thomas Jefferson University's College of Health Professions, and external and internal tuition assistance is available to full-time employees. While the real attractions at Jefferson are "the spirit of caring and camaraderie," according to one employee, the hospital also offers discounted mass transit passes, a cafeteria meal plan, prescription drug benefits and — perhaps best of all — a farmer's market. The hospital also offers a 12-month administrative fellowship program to individuals pursuing leadership roles. Fellows in the program work side-by-side with senior leaders at the hospital to develop management skills and implement innovative approaches for delivering high-quality care.
UnaSource Surgery Center (Troy, Mich.)
Type of facility: Ambulatory surgery center
What makes it a Best Place to Work: UnaSource Surgery Center is a multi-specialty outpatient facility that offers physicians specializing in cardiology, GI, general surgery, gynecology, otolaryngology, orthopedics, plastics/reconstructive surgery, podiatry and urology. USC was named the 2010 #1 Small Business Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press, marking the third consecutive year USC has made the list. In 2008, the center landed the number two spot on the list; in 2009, it reached number one for the first time. "The bottom line is that our team members give 110 percent to UnaSource and know that the center will give 110 percent in return," says Amie Starkey, executive director of the center. "The team is also like family — most have worked together since we opened seven years ago and everyone knows about each other's families, struggles and successes." For the past two holiday seasons, the USC staff has taken up a collection and made a donation to a charitable organization and the family of a deceased team member. In 2010, the team raised $1,190 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association by sponsoring a USC team member who participated in the charity's "Locked Up" campaign. Creative benefits include monthly birthday celebrations, daily Starbucks coffee and breakfast fare, an annual Detroit Tigers baseball outing for family and staff and a yearly employee appreciation week.
University of Chicago Medical Center (Chicago, Ill.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Affiliated with the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, the University of Chicago Medical Center has 532 beds, more than 9,500 employees and more than 700 attending physicians. Nurses at UCMC earn among the highest salaries in the greater Chicago area, and employees are encouraged to pursue educational opportunities — everything from safety seminars to the award-winning UCMC Academy to onsite degree completion programs. New full-time employees receive up to three weeks paid vacation per year, plus five paid personal holidays, adding up to essentially four weeks of vacation time. Employees also receive 10 sick days per year. UCMC employees can choose to have pre-tax dollars deducted from their paychecks to cover out-of-pocket transportation costs; the transportation program covers up to $230 in parking expenses and $230 a month in public transportation costs. Registered nurses who have completed between six months and one year at UCMC are eligible for one paid continuing education day and $100 reimbursement for continuing education expenses, and compensation only increases as nurses gain more tenure. Staff members are also invited to participate in local community fairs, free health screenings and regular health seminars to boost wellness.
University of Washington Medical Center (Seattle, Wash.)
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: UW Medical Center is the flagship of UW Medicine, which owns or operates three hospitals and is affiliated with the University of Washington School of Medicine. UW Medical Center employees can take advantage of a variety of wellness services under the umbrella of the UWellness program. For a workout, employees can visit the on-campus health club, golf driving range, waterfront activities center and other facilities; to increase control over their own health, staff can take advantage of counseling and support, classes and educational materials, smoking cessation services and weight management. UWMC also gives its employees free, confidential counseling, financial and legal services, and the Hometown Home Loan Project gives staff assistance with home-buying. Course tuition at the University of Washington is waived for staff for up to six credits per quarter, and employees can polish their skills with training courses, workshops and e-learning. UW Children's Centers offer childcare services to parents on staff, and Virginia Mason Sick Childcare offers free care to children under 12 who are mildly ill.
West Bloomfield Surgery Center, d.b.a. Lake Surgery Center (West Bloomfield, Mich.)
Type of facility: Ambulatory surgery center
What makes it a Best Place to Work: West Bloomfield Surgery Center, which services the Detroit metropolitan area, is the highest-ranked ASC for employee satisfaction in the National Surgical Hospital family of surgery centers, and was ranked first overall for all of NSH's facilities, according to Anne Hargrave-Thomas, administrator/CEO of the ASC. This high level of satisfaction is reflected in year-over-year improvement in physician satisfaction and the facility's turnover rate, which is below the national average. The leadership team of West Bloomfield Surgery Center, which has four ORs and two procedure rooms, provides numerous opportunities for staff members to share their observations and suggestions through the use of general staff meetings, rounding, departmental meetings and a suggestion box. "Using [the Studer Group's] five pillars it can be shown that employee satisfaction is paramount to improving quality, growth, service, finance and people," she says. "Great communication with the employees at our facility has led to improved employee satisfaction which ultimately improved our quality, service, financial and people pillars." Employees at The Joint Commission-accredited ASC are mentored and receive cross-training and continued education to help move their skill set to the next level, says Ms. Hargrave-Thomas.
The Virginia Spine Institute (Reston, Va.)
Type of facility: Spine center
What makes it a Great Place to Work: The Virginia Spine Institute is a 26,000-square-foot center for spinal healthcare in the Washington, D.C. metro area. To increase its reach in the local community, VSI has developed a formal volunteer program for employees, which encourages the entire staff to donate items and participate in events with the local YMCA, the public school system, little league teams and many other local charities. In 2010, the team at VSI contributed over 1,000 hours of community service. Recently, the Institute established a community education lecture series, to be conducted on a monthly basis throughout 2011 and feature physician-led topics that benefit the community. Employees say this dedication to community involvement strengthens ties between VSI staff and involves staff in the mission, vision and values of the facility. In 2010, VSI took steps to turn its core values into an integral part of the employee experience, rather than simply "words on a wall." To do so, VSI asked employees to share stories about how the facility's core values ¬— caring, excellence, leadership, teamwork, innovation and comprehensive care — affect day-to-day life in the workplace. Employee benefits include an onsite fitness facility, Pilates classes, personal training and discounted on-site nutritionist and massage therapists.
Yale-New Haven Hospital (New Haven, Conn.).
Type of facility: Hospital/health system
What makes it a Best Place to Work: Yale-New Haven Hospital is the 944-bed flagship of three-hospital Yale-New Haven Health System, which commands a 20.5 percent market share for the whole state. The hospital has been named one of the 100 best companies for working mothers by Working Mother magazine, one of the top 30 companies for executive women by the National Association of Female Executives and one of the best employers for workers over 50 by AARP. Employees are recognized by various programs, including an annual merit pay program, year-end bonuses based on the overall performance of the organization, special achievement awards and a mutual respect committee — one of several programs designed to welcome employee feedback and encourage communication between staff and management. The Yale-New Haven Hospital Daycare Center is available to employees with children aged three months to five years, and employees who work 24 hours or more per week are eligible for adoption assistance of up to $6,000 per child. Employees can also save money on taxes by electing a pre-tax paycheck deduction of up to $115 a month to apply toward commuting expenses. Employees who refer a nursing or allied professional — who is subsequently hired — to YNHH are eligible for a referring bonus of up to $3,000.
Please contact Rachel Fields at rachel@beckersasc.com with any questions.