Investing in Nurses, Improving Care

A $3.8M grant will strengthen nursing excellence and patient care at UHS

UHS was recently awarded a $3.88 million grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation that will help address the ongoing shortage of nurses and improve healthcare services for underserved communities. The grant is part of the Foundation’s Nursing Initiative and will be distributed over five years through 2030.

This funding will allow UHS to make meaningful improvements in nursing education, support and patient care. One of the main goals is to pursue Magnet Recognition through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Magnet status is a respected national distinction awarded to hospitals that meet high standards for nursing excellence, leadership and patient outcomes. Achieving this recognition will reflect UHS’ commitment to providing quality patient-centered care and a strong, supportive work environment for nurses.

The grant will also support the development of a virtual nursing program. This innovative model uses technology to assist with routine care tasks and remote patient monitoring, allowing on-site nurses to focus more fully on direct patient care. Virtual nursing can also help reduce stress on staff, improving the overall patient experience.

Another important goal of the initiative is to enhance the UHS Nursing Residency program. This program is designed to guide and support nurses transitioning from the classroom to clinical practice. With additional funding, UHS can offer enhanced training, more mentorship opportunities and stronger long-term support, helping nurses succeed and leading to stronger patient-centered support across the UHS System.

John M. Carrigg, president and chief executive officer of UHS, shared, “As we look to the future, we know that investing in our nurses means investing in our community’s health. This grant empowers us to support our nursing teams in new ways—through innovation, education and workplace culture—so they can continue delivering the compassionate, high-quality care our patients rely on.”

The grant is a key step toward building a stronger, more sustainable nursing workforce for the future. By making this investment in our nurses, UHS aims to continue investing in our staff, strengthening care and preparing the next generation of nurses to serve our communities with excellence.