2022 Nursing Annual Report

WELCOME TO THE CHILDREN’S MINNESOTA 2022 NURSING ANNUAL REPORT 

As health care professionals, we expect unique challenges that go beyond routine patient care. This has been especially true during the past three years and as we continue to emerge from a global pandemic, which has changed the way we do almost everything. However, one thing that hasn’t changed at Children’s Minnesota is how we strive to provide the best possible care for all kids, every day.

The Nursing Annual Report is such a source of pride for me. I’m honored to work with Children’s Minnesota nursing professionals who show up daily with enormous talent, adaptability, and commitment to our patients and their families, and each other. This report reflects the best of our work from the previous year and serves as a reminder of why we chose this challenging and rewarding profession.

In 2022, we started the year with the omicron surge and ended with a history-making respiratory surge. Navigating through surges impacts everyone in our organization and in the community. Yet in this report you’ll read amazing stories of our nurses’ achievements, innovation and excellence that persevered despite the challenges.

We continued our work to advance equity and inclusion at Children’s Minnesota, and our nursing team remains at the forefront of our efforts. Our expanding relationships with nearby schools of nursing is helping us improve the nursing pipeline for the future. The successful opening of our mental health units and specialty care clinics was due in large part to our nursing teams.

Our patient families depend on us to be the Kid Experts™ and provide exceptional care for their kids – highly specialized, compassionate, world-class care. Our nurses do this every day, and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of their team.

Dr. Caroline Njau is wearing a floral print jacket and is smiling at the camera.

Thank you,

Caroline Njau, MBA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President, Patient Care Services

Children’s Minnesota overview

Children’s Minnesota is one of the largest freestanding pediatric health systems in the U.S., and the only health system in Minnesota to provide care exclusively to children — from before birth through early adulthood. An independent and not-for-profit system since 1924, Children’s Minnesota serves the Upper Midwest at three hospitals, 12 primary care clinics, six rehabilitation and nine specialty care sites. 

At Children’s Minnesota, we bring together more experts across more specialties than any other hospital system in the Midwest. As the region’s largest pediatric program, we partner every day with clinicians across the Midwest to make sure every child has the best possible health care. 

We champion the health needs of children and families. We are committed to improving children’s health by providing the highest-quality, family-centered care, advanced through research and education.” –Children’s Minnesota mission statement.   

Trusted, nationally recognized care

Children’s Minnesota is regularly recognized nationally for excellence in care, quality, innovation and industry leadership.   

  • In 2018, we were the first and only hospital in Minnesota verified as a Level I Pediatric Surgery Center by the American College of Surgeons — the highest distinction for health systems that perform complex surgical procedures for newborns, children and teens.  
  • We earned Magnet® recognition in 2018 from the American Nurses Credentialing Center — the most prestigious distinction a health organization can receive in nursing excellence and high-quality patient care.  
  • We’re consistently ranked among the top hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.  
  • We’re Minnesota’s only Level I Pediatric Trauma Center in a hospital dedicated solely to kids.  

Nursing at a glance

Tab 1

Total number of nurses

  • RNs
  • APRNs
Nursing at a glance RN APRN
Nurse turnover (Avg.) 12.67% 9.45%
Nurse vacancy (Avg.) 7.99% 7.81%
2022 new hires 226 28

Tab 2

Nurse tenure (average length of employment)

RNs

  • Less than 1 year
  • 1-2 yrs
  • 3-4 yrs
  • 5-9
  • 10+ yrs

APRNs

  • Less than 1 year
  • 1-2 yrs
  • 3-4 yrs
  • 5-9
  • 10+ yrs

Tab

RNs with Baccalaureate or higher

  • Percent of RNs with a Baccalaureate or higher
  • Goal

Certified RNs

  • Percent of all RNs Certified
  • Goal

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