Magnet Recognition Program®
At UPMC Hamot, we offer nurses many ways to advance their careers and make an impact on patients.
UPMC Hamot nurses are compassionate and highly skilled healthcare professionals. They are eager to grow professionally and are valued members of the interprofessional healthcare team. UPMC Hamot fosters a culture of excellence by empowering nurses to enhance patient care through evidence-based practice and research.
Pairing their educational achievements, knowledge, and clinical expertise, our nurses demonstrate a profound commitment to helping the community and colleagues reach their potential. The combination of compassion, dedication, and innovation makes UPMC Hamot one of the 10% of hospitals nationwide to receive a Magnet designation.
As a Magnet® hospital, the driving forces behind UPMC Hamot are:
- Advancing the hospital's patient-centered mission “To Serve” through compassionate care.
- Modeling professional standards through exemplary nursing practice.
- Administering quality care as evidenced by superior empirical outcomes.
- Conducting nursing research and incorporating evidence-based practice at the bedside.
A Message from Jim Donnelly, MBA, BSN, RN
Chief Nursing Officer, Vice President, Patient Care Services
UPMC Hamot
"The mission for nursing at UPMC Hamot is “To Serve” our patients at the highest national standards. Our nurses balance the principles of safety, service and stewardship and foster nursing excellence through education, research, and best practice. The patient and their experience are the central focus of our care. Our nurses set the standards for nursing care, providing individualized care to each patient and their family.
At UPMC Hamot, our nurses provide excellent patient care in a collaborative and innovative practice environment. We empower nurses to drive change in patient care and their work environment.
Nurses play a vital role in advancing health care through education and research. Our leadership team ensures staff have the support, knowledge, and skills to deliver quality care in a rapidly changing and technologically advanced environment.
Our Nursing Education and Research staff leads new nurses through a Nurse Residency Program. We urge experienced nurses to advance through the My Nursing Career (MNC) Development Program. MNC rewards and salutes nurses for their contributions and professional growth.
Our Shared Decision-Making structure is very strong, with six focused councils including:
- Practice Environment and Recognition Council
- Professional Practice Council
- Education, Evidence-Based Practice, and Professional Development Council
- Nursing Informatics Council
- Nursing Patient Safety and Quality Council
- Magnet Council
We offer nurses the opportunity to participate in shared decision-making and encourage them to drive their practice and embrace autonomy. Professional practice flourishes through collaboration with interdisciplinary team members.
Working at UPMC Hamot can be one of the most fulfilling and rewarding career decisions you will ever make.
Join us for the chance to work with cutting-edge technology, advanced therapies, phenomenal peers, and grateful patients!”
» Visit UPMC Careers to learn more about nursing jobs and apply.
UPMC Hamot Nurses Give Back
Community citizenship is a priority at UPMC Hamot and our nurses have proudly led over 100 community service initiatives across the region.
A few highlights include:
- Hamot Health Foundation Partnerships: UPMC Hamot nurses and the Shared Decision Making Councils frequently partner with initiatives sponsored by the Hamot Health Foundation throughout the year, including food and supply drives for the underserved population in our community, as well as volunteering at the RAM (Remote Access Medical) Clinic, which offers medical, dental, and vision services at no-cost to community members.
- Eagle’s Nest Leadership Corporation: UPMC Hamot nurses and staff provide on-site training and job opportunities for young adults living in Erie.
- Erie Night to Shine: Nurse members of the Professional Practice Council partner with several organizations in support of the Erie Night to Shine. UPMC Hamot nurses serve as a “buddy” to teens with special needs during a prom-themed party sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation.
Awards and Recognitions at UPMC Hamot
UPMC Hamot is a nationally recognized leader in healthcare, staffed with nurses that are highly driven and committed to cutting edge care.
A few highlights include:
- Daisy Award: UPMC Hamot demonstrates its appreciation for the unique and extraordinary contributions of nurses by partnering with the Daisy Foundation. Nurses are nominated and selected by nurses from the Practice Environment and Recognition Council to receive this nationally recognized award for inspiring acts of service. Our thriving partnership with this organization has enabled UPMC Hamot to become the first organization to award the Daisy Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing nurses with 25+ years of service and a passion dedicated to the profession of nursing.
- Cameos of Caring: Over 40 nurses from UPMC Hamot have been recipients of this award sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh that honors advocacy for patients, leadership, professionalism, and proactive clinical decision making.
- 25+ Club: The Practice Environment and Recognition Council celebrates nurses who have dedicated 25 years of service to the nursing profession. UPMC Hamot celebrates the expertise and commitment of our most experienced nurses.
- Emergency Nurses Association Lantern Award: UPMC Hamot proudly houses the busiest adult Emergency Department (ED) in the entire UPMC system, serving over 63,000 patients annually. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to excellence, UPMC Hamot has earned this prestigious award an extraordinary three consecutive times-a distinction held by only a select few hospitals worldwide. This international recognition celebrates the ED’s outstanding performance in innovative clinical practice, advocacy for patients and staff, leadership in emergency care, commitment to education, and advancement through research. UPMC Hamot’s emergency nursing team continues to set the standard for compassionate, cutting-edge care in high-pressure environments.
- American Association of Critical Care Nurses Beacon Award: UPMC Hamot stands out as a leader in critical care excellence-with all three adult intensive care units (ICUs) honored with the prestigious Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). This award evaluates performance across three key modules: patient outcomes, work environment, and nursing workforce. Beacon-designated units exemplify a deep commitment to evidence-based practice, continuous improvement, and compassionate, patient-centered care. UPMC Hamot’s ICUs are a shining example of what it means to go above and beyond in critical care nursing.
Shared Leadership Councils at UPMC Hamot
UPMC Hamot’s shared leadership structure empowers nurses to be an engaged member of the healthcare team that drives improvements impacting clinical outcomes, the patient experience, and practice environment (PDF). Our shared leadership structure is a means to strengthen nursing practices, as represented by our Professional Practice Model (PPM) (PDF). UPMC Hamot’s PPM incorporates elements from our local community, including transformational nursing leadership, an ever-changing healthcare environment, and the newest generation of nurses who are eager to initiate evidence-based change.
Professional Development Opportunities at UPMC Hamot
- My Nursing Career: Serves as a career ladder that provides clear direction for nurses to achieve their professional goals. This tool measures the value of experience, specialty certifications, advanced degrees, and evidenced-based and quality improvement projects aimed at improving patient care. Nursing Career Pathways Diagram (PDF).
- Tuition Assistance and our Margaret Eckerd Brown Fund: Provides financial support to staff pursuing higher education and professional development. Tuition Assistance Request Form (PDF).
- Nurse Leader Residency/Fellowship Program: A 3-month immersive program offered to UPMC Hamot nurses seeking opportunities in leadership.
- Research Residency Program: Over 20 research projects have been completed and presented by UPMC Hamot nurses, fostering a culture of new knowledge, innovation, and quality improvement.
UPMC Hamot Nursing by the Numbers
- Over 900 nurses are employed at UPMC Hamot.
- Since 2016, UPMC Hamot has been designated as Magnet® status.
- More than 70% of Hamot nurses have their BSN or greater.
- More than 50% of Hamot nurses who are eligible have certifications in their specialty.
