University Health’s Trauma Nurse Fellowship program granted highest level of accreditation

Advanced training and mentorship improves retention, patient care

Why we are a Magnet Hospital

 University Health’s nursing team is celebrating two American Nurses Credentialing Center accreditations.

Nursing is key to delivering compassionate, effective care, and University Health trains all new nurses in a Nurse Residency Program that gives them mentor support and extra learning opportunities. The result? Hundreds of nurses achieving excellence and one of the best places for nurses to work, as proven by our low turnover and high satisfaction levels, which of course translates to superior patient care. The Nurse Residency Program has received a renewal on its Accreditation with Distinction, the highest recognition it offers, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to supporting nurses.

Also, as a Level I trauma center we meet our obligation to be the best of the best by offering training opportunities to those with the heart and the mettle for the job. The Trauma Nurse Fellowship offers a one-year program to experienced, qualifying nurses who aspire to perform at the highest level of trauma nursing. The American Nurses Credentialing Center has awarded the trauma nurse program its first Accreditation with Distinction, recognizing medical expertise and the heart for care.

Innovation in training and improvement in care

University Health’s expertise in program development and outcomes has played a key role in achieving the accreditation, University Health Chief Nurse Executive Dina Perez-Graham said.

The Trauma Nurse Fellowship is a one-year program that offers qualifying critical care nurses training in all aspects of trauma care, with clinical and administrative rotations as well as education seminars.

Growing nurse satisfaction, confidence and retention

University Health also provides a one-year Nurse Residency Program to all new graduate nurses. This program provides professional development seminars, facilitator and peer support and evidence-based practice projects. In 2025, University Health welcomed 268 new graduate nurses into the program. More than 2,700 nurses have graduated from this program, many growing into leadership roles within the organization.

“Nursing is one of the most critical professions in health care delivery,” Perez-Graham said. “The ANCC Nurse Residency Program accreditations represent a promise from us to our nurses, our patients and our community. It affirms that we are intentionally supporting nurses at the most formative stage of their professional journey, providing guidance and mentorship and instilling confidence when it matters most.”

The results are evident in a low turnover rate—a 3.2% 1-year avoidable turnover rate for new graduate nurses compared to 3.78% for other accredited organizations and well below the 16.4% turnover for unaccredited organizations.

Another striking benchmark is the number of contract nurses, which reached a peak of 284 in 2023 as the pandemic roiled the health care industry to zero as of November.

That stability and satisfaction contributes to efficiency and the best possible care across the organization.

“This accreditation reflects the values that define us at University Health as a four-time Magnet-designated organization,” Perez-Graham said. “I am so proud to lead the team that has earned these honors.”