Overview
Nursing at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital has been serving Baltimore City for more than 160 years. Our nurses have a history built on a foundation of safe and quality patient care with an ever-growing commitment to advancing professional practice. Nurses at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital work collaboratively in delivering high-quality, evidenced-based, and compassionate care to our patients, families, and community.
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital has dedicated specialty centers for hip and knee, spine, foot and ankle, and sports medicine. It also has advanced certification in Palliative Care and is designated as a Primary Stroke Center.
The Curtis National Hand Center is designated as the Hand and Upper Extremity Trauma Center for the state of Maryland by the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Systems.
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital is on the Magnet® Recognition journey, a designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), that represents our commitment to nursing excellence, safe and quality care, patient experience, and a positive and healthy work environment for all associates. Click here to learn more about Magnet® Excellence.
Nursing Professional Practice
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital is dedicated to achieving and continuously improving quality outcomes, nursing excellence, and the nursing practice environment. We are committed to the growth and advancement of our nursing workforce and promote a collaborative work environment to share creativity, best practices, and innovational ideas.
Our Nursing Professional Practice Model
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital’s Nursing Professional Practice Model is based on principles to promote high quality patient care and outcomes, interdisciplinary collaboration, and is grounded in the nurse’s synergistic relationship with patients, families, and our community.
The design of our Nursing Professional Practice Model is based on our mission, vision, and SPIRIT values. Guided in Jean Watson’s Human Caring Theory, the practice model highlights human relationships and the many different elements that influence the care nurses provide. The Nursing Professional Practice Model centralizes patients, families, and our community as they are the core of nursing practice.
The Nursing Professional Practice Model encompasses the following elements:
- The dark blue inner circle represents the patients, families, and community we serve.
- The seven inner circle elements: Wellness, Advocacy, Education, Autonomy, Community, Quality & Safety, and Research & Evidence-based Practice represent the characteristics of nursing care and services provided at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital.
- The dark blue outer circle provides a foundation that promotes and empowers nursing care through Interprofessional Practice, Nursing Excellence, and Shared Governance.
- The dark blue most outer circle represents the MedStar Health’s core SPIRIT values: Service, Patient First, Innovation, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork. These values guide and support the behaviors that are essential for nurses to be successful in delivering consistent care.
Collaborative Governance
Collaborative Governance provides a structure for shared decision making and the active engagement of nurses to impact patient outcomes, while creating a positive and inclusive work environment.
Nurses at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital participate in Shared Governance councils that address nursing issues related to nursing professional practice, professional development, quality and performance improvement, technology and innovation, patient and family education, and evidence-based practice and research. All nurses are encouraged to engage in a collaborative governance council that best reflects their nursing role. Opportunities are available at all levels including, unit councils, hospital councils, nurse champion programs, and/or a MedStar Health system council.
Clinical Practice Areas
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, both a specialty and comprehensive community hospital, offers a variety of clinical practice areas.
- Emergency Services
- Cardiovascular Surgical Services
- Critical Care
- Critical Care Step Down
- Orthopedic Services
- Palliative Care Services
- Hand and Upper Extremity Trauma Services
Building Your Career
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital recognizes and values the importance of personal and professional growth. We encourage nurses to continually learn and advance their clinical practice through a variety of programs designed to increase nursing knowledge and expertise.
Student Nurse Extern Program
At MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, we believe that today’s nursing students are a vital part of our future. Our Student Nurse Extern Program is an excellent way to further your skills while experiencing firsthand what a career at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital can mean for you.
The Student Nurse Extern Program gives senior nursing students the opportunity to work under the direction of a RN in the care and well-being of patients. Student Nurse Externs are paired with an experienced RN who provides mentorship, hands-on learning, and assimilation into the practice environment. The transitional opportunity helps with developing critical thinking skills and prepares nursing students for working in the clinical environment.
New Graduate Internship
The New Graduate Internship offers support, guidance, knowledge, and skills necessary to successfully transition from student to new to practice nurse. The graduate nurse applies nursing process and theory-based nursing care under the direction and supervision of a RN.
Residency Program
The New to Practice (NTP) Nurse Residency Program aims to develop professional nurses as clinical nurse leaders; promote their role socialization in professional nursing; and enhance their retention at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital and engagement in the practice environment. The NTP evidenced-based Vizient Nurse Residency Program is offered over 12 months and has been proven to expedite the transition of program participants to competent professional nurses. The NTP Nurse Residency Program curriculum covers three main areas of a professional nurse’s role and practice. These are: Professional Role, Leadership, and Quality, Safety and Outcomes. The NRP offers:
- Core content that is provided in a seminar format consisting of 12 sessions (4-hour each session) that address specific topics and systematically designed experiences.
- Facilitated reflective practice discussions at each seminar. These discussions aim to identify the knowledge and skill gaps of the NTP nurse for further development.
- Access to preceptors, mentors, and expert facilitators of reflective thinking and practice.
- Completion of an evidence-based practice (EBP) project.
- Mentoring on a professional development and career plan.
Nursing Education and Professional Development
Mentoring
Sponsored by our Nursing Professional Development Council, our Formal Nurse Mentoring Program is designed to guide a mutual relationship between an experienced nurse (mentor) and a new nurse or nurse transitioning to a new role (mentee). New to Practice Nurses as well as nurses hired to a new specialty or hospital are welcomed to the program. The formal mentoring program helps to develop supportive and encouraging relationships; guide nurses in their professional, personal, and interpersonal growth; promote mutuality and sharing based on the needs of the mentor and mentee; and communicate information concerning expectations, learning opportunities, and stressors.
Clinical Advancement Program
Based on Patricia Benner’s theoretical framework of novice to expert, nurses are encouraged to grow professionally, improve their clinical expertise, and utilize critical thinking skills while advancing their nursing practice. The Clinical Advancement Program offers the opportunity for career advancement and supports MedStar Union Memorial Hospital’s and MedStar Health’s recruitment, engagement, and retention initiatives.
Learning & Career Pathways
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital promotes an environment of learning through continuing education and professional development opportunities. Nurses have access to free continuing education credits, tuition assistance, and scholarships. Additionally, national certification review courses are available, as well as reimbursement for initial and re-certifications. Nurses are also encouraged to attend national conferences and join professional organizations.
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital takes pride in supporting all nurses to grow and advance within their profession. Clinical Nurses who are interested in leadership roles have opportunities for professional advancement in a variety of different leadership positions.
Clinical Placement
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital places great value on our relationships with schools of nursing and their nursing students. Our goal is to provide you and your students with the best possible clinical experience, while providing safe and competent care to our patients.
Faculty Manual and Requirements for Schools of Nursing
Leadership Team
Transformation Leadership
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital’s nursing leadership is grounded in clinical expertise. Our nursing leaders take a proactive approach in advocating and supporting our nurses, while leading change through evidence-based practice.
Awards and Recognition
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital takes pride in the work and commitment of our nursing teams. These awards recognize nursing professionals and their dedication to professional development and advancing the practice of nursing.
- DAISY Award
- Annual Nurse Week Awards
In addition to our nursing awards, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital recognizes all associates, inclusive of nursing, through additional recognition programs:
- HeRO Award
- Make a Difference
- Good Catch Award
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital nurses also have been recognized with Baltimore magazine’s Excellence in Nursing awards.