Contributions of Nursing
The University of Kansas Health System is committed to nursing excellence and values nurses as essential partners in delivering first-class patient care. Nurses collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals to provide current and effective treatments for complex care and diagnosis. The health system has the only ACS-verified Level 1 Trauma Center in Kansas, as well as the only adult and pediatric verified burn center in the region.
The level of excellence has earned the health system a reputation as the region’s premier academic medical center and led to numerous awards and recognitions, including nursing’s highest honor, Magnet designation.
Nursing vision statement:
The University of Kansas Health System nurses lead the way, merging science with compassion, in delivering exceptional patient care.
Collaboration to deliver exceptional care
The University of Kansas Health System has a culture of respect, professionalism and teamwork. Our nurses collaborate with other healthcare professionals in a team-driven environment to treat complex cases and perform advanced care.
- Partner with providers in determining and providing expert care
- Advocate for safety and quality
- Implement and use new technology to meet patient needs
- Conduct research to improve patient care
Nursing recognition
The University of Kansas Hospital is a Magnet®-designated hospital, earning the prestigious distinction 4 times. Magnet status, awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association, recognizes nursing excellence and the important role our nurses play in our commitment to excellent care and service. Fewer than 2% of all U.S. hospitals have attained Magnet designation 4 or more times.
The University of Kansas Hospital was originally designated as a Magnet® facility in 2006 and was the first hospital in Kansas to attain the designation. This recognition underscores the outstanding level of nursing quality and patient care. Designated hospitals demonstrate higher quality care, significantly higher levels of patient satisfaction and consumer confidence, as well as greater success in recruiting and retaining the best nurses.
Nursing specialties
Nurses are part of the team of healthcare professionals providing expert, patient-focused care. Our nurses handle complex cases that most hospitals never see and work in an environment of respect, professionalism and teamwork.
Nursing specialties at the health system include:
Professional growth
The health system is committed to promoting the professional growth of nurses and provides many opportunities for nursing graduates to advance their careers. This includes continuing education, certifications and leadership advancement.
The Nurse Residency Program (NRP) strengthens the health system’s commitment to the profession of nursing. New graduates are automatically enrolled in the NRP, which helps newly licensed nurses transition from advanced beginner to competent nurse and adapt to a fast-paced healthcare environment. The NRP was the first in the country to receive accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Our nurses
Rachel Pepper, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer, Kansas City Division
"When we ask nurses why they choose to work at The University of Kansas Health System, the overwhelming answer is always the team. Our nurses are well-regarded and highly respected in their work and are an integral part of the healthcare team in delivering the best care for our patients. As nurses, we choose to work at the health system because we see complex medical cases that other hospitals cannot.
We don’t see our patients as numbers or cases. We go above and beyond to exhibit genuine care and compassion. In addition to advocating for their patients, nurses truly are the glue of the care being delivered. The culture of teamwork and support is unique and woven throughout our health system."
Work with us
If you are passionately committed to providing the best care for patients, please consider becoming a part of our team. Working at the health system you’ll experience an environment of teamwork and support with benefits and resources to empower your well-being and encourage strong work-life balance.