Nursing Care

What kind of nursing care can I expect?
UAB was one of the first hospitals in the state of Alabama designated as a Magnet nursing facility for excellence in nursing care. This means that our nurses are the best around and provide you with quality, compassionate, family-centered care.

How do you measure the quality of nursing care?
Nursing care is multi-dimensional, and UAB adheres to national standards with regards to patient care and outcomes. We measure the quality of our nursing care with consumer input and responses through questionnaires as well as quality outcomes for our patients based on their diagnosis. At UAB, patient satisfaction is out top goal, and we strive to provide you with the best care possible. Every patient at UAB has the opportunity to speak out about their care.

What sort of accolades and awards have you received?
UAB is a Magnet nursing facility. Magnet designation is the most prestigious award for a nursing staff, given to only a small percentage of hospitals. This award recognizes outstanding nursing leadership, nurse development and professional development. Nurses at UAB are highly educated and many hold national certification to show that they are the best in their area of expertise. Additionally, UAB nursing participates in research that is changing the face of medicine of tomorrow.

UAB’s ranking by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s best hospitals is in part due to our Magnet nursing certification. In addition, UAB nurses strive to have a presence in state and national nursing groups. In fact, the president of the Alabama Board of Nursing is a UAB nurse.

How long are your nurses’ shifts?
Nurses at UAB typically work a 12-hour shift rotation, completing three shifts in a week.

Are nurses available 24-hours-a-day to answer my questions?
UAB nurses are always available to answer any question that you or a family member have.

What if I want to call the nurse of my hospitalized family member?
Every patient admitted to UAB is given instructions on how to contact their nurse or the nurses’ station.

How do UAB doctors and nurses interact?
UAB doctors and nurses have a collaborative and professional working environment and all work toward the same goal – quality patient care. We are all held to a high level of care and professionalism, as outlined in UAB’s core values.