Nursing was ranked the most trusted profession for the 22^nd consecutive year, according to the 2023 Annual Gallup poll on honesty and ethical standards. This trust underscores the vital role nurses play in our health care system, especially when patients are hurting, sick or vulnerable. We rely on nurses not just for their clinical skills but also for their unwavering commitment to doing what is right every time. In 2023, our dedicated team of nurses at University Health cared for 223,373 unique patients, demonstrating that they consistently rise to the occasion, providing compassionate care to both patients and their families.

At University Health, we are steadfast in our mission to deliver high-quality, compassionate patient care while continuously refining our nursing practice. Our strong organization culture, commitment to improvement and focus on exceptional patient care have led to significant measurable outcomes, earning us various national accreditations and distinctions for our innovative nursing programs.

In 2018, University Health submitted its application for the Magnet Nursing designation by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center (ANCC) for the third time and was re-designated its Magnet status. In order to achieve Magnet status, a facility must exemplify five model components: Transformational Leadership, Structural Empowerment, Exemplary Professional Practice, New Knowledge, Innovations and Improvements and Empirical Quality Results.

As we look to the future, we are excited for the opportunity to earn our fourth Magnet designation in 2025. This journey toward excellence is ongoing and I look forward to collaborating with our exceptional nursing and interprofessional teams on various initiatives, including quality improvement projects, evidence-based practice and nursing research. Together, these efforts will ensure we continue to elevate the standards or care and fulfill our 2024-2028 Nursing Strategic Plan.

We remain dedicated to nurse recruitment, advancing nursing excellence and mentoring the next generation of health care professionals.

–Dina Perez-Graham MSN, RN

For 100 years, University Health has served a vital role in San Antonio and throughout Bexar County — providing outstanding care to those who need it, training the next generation of health professionals and working to find new and better treatments through research. Over the course of that history, we have followed a core set of values that guides and defines us.

The Nursing Professional Practice Model reflects the mission of the University Health to provide high quality and compassionate care to our community. In January 2003, the theory of Modeling and Role Modeling, developed by Helen Erickson, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, was adopted to guide our nursing practice. Using Modeling and Role Modeling, nurses aspire to accept and respect individuals’ unique views of themselves and their world. Sixteen years and three American Nurse Credentialing Center Magnet designations later, Modeling and Role Modeling continues to guide nursing practice and care delivery throughout University Health and the community it serves.

In preparation for University Health’s third Magnet designation, Dr. Erickson was invited to meet with nursing staff in 2018, to explore how Modeling and Role Modeling has affected the delivery of health care within University Health. During unit tours with Dr. Erickson, nurses shared examples of how Modeling and Role Modeling shaped their academic development and defined their delivery of care.

Edwin Calderon, a talented artist, University Health employee and nursing student, was commissioned to create a painting in honor of Dr. Erickson that represents Modeling and Role Modeling, the history of University Health, and its role in the health of the community. Mr. Calderon describes his interpretation as a direct representation of how hospitals and communities can collaborate together to create a synergistic effect of health and prosperity. Just as human beings are holistic in mind, body and spirit, so are paintings. Every brush stroke radiates a different colored personality and belief. When blended together, we can truly appreciate its holistic nature.

The painting includes San Antonio landmarks to represent the community that University Health serves. Among these are landmarks that represent the vital role and history of the University Health, including the historic Robert B. Green Hospital from 1917, the original Bexar County Hospital of 1968 and the recently constructed Sky Tower of 2014. These landmarks illustrate our commitment to transform health care and serve the community. The artist’s approach subtly includes the concepts within Dr. Erickson’s theory that represent a nurse’s objective and subjective view of the client. The intent of the hidden words is to encourage the observer to pause and interact with the painting, similarly to the way a nurse must pause and interact with the patient. Dr. Erickson’s open arms represent the “long arm” or influence of nursing while illustrating the University Health's role in extending that nurturing to the community.

The painting was presented to Dr. Erickson on December 4, 2018, in San Antonio by the artist and University Health nursing staff during the Nursing Living Legends (Grand Rounds with Dr. Helen Erickson) luncheon sponsored by the University Health Center for Clinical Excellence.

University Health held a pivotal two-day Nursing Strategic Planning event on July 17th and 18th, 2024, in the Judy and Jim Adams Conference Room. This event, aimed at shaping the future of nursing within the organization, was made possible through the transformational leadership of Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive, Ms. Dina Perez-Graham, MSN, RN. Her vision for advancing nursing practice and fostering innovation laid the foundation for this crucial meeting, which brought together nursing leaders, staff nurses, stakeholders and key decision-makers.

The Nursing Strategic Plan for 2024-2028 aims to elevate nursing practice across University Health and centers around four main objectives:

1. Optimize Comprehensive Workforce Plan
   This pillar is dedicated to addressing critical areas of recruitment, retention and recognition of nursing staff. As health care systems nationwide face staffing shortages and increased turnover rates, University Health aims to stay ahead by developing a robust workforce strategy. This plan focuses on attracting top nursing talent through competitive employee benefits and innovative recruitment strategies. The goal is to not only fill positions but also to create a work environment where nurses feel valued and supported throughout their careers.
2. Nurturing Nursing Excellence
   Fostering an environment of continuous learning and excellence in nursing practice is at the core of this objective. University Health enhances staff engagement by creating opportunities for collaboration, peer support and shared governance. Nurses are encouraged to actively participate in evidence-based practice and research initiatives, contributing to the advancement of health care delivery. Additionally, this focus area includes expanding the institution's involvement in nursing research by providing resources and mentorship for nurses interested in pursuing scholarly activities. Creating a culture where nurses are empowered to lead in both practice and research elevates the quality of care and professional satisfaction.
3. Elevate Nursing Staff
   Professional development and mentoring are key to empowering nurses at all levels of their careers. University Health invests in comprehensive professional development programs tailored to the needs of both novice and experienced nurses. These programs focus on leadership development, clinical specialization and enhancing competencies in emerging areas such as informatics. By creating pathways for career progression and fostering strong mentorship relationships, University Health aims to build a pipeline of nurse leaders who are well-prepared to meet the challenges of modern health care. Additionally, mentorship programs match less experienced nurses with seasoned professionals, ensuring that the next generation of nursing leaders is well-supported and nurtured.
4. Improving Patient Safety and Experience
   Patient safety and a positive patient experience remain at the forefront of University Health's mission. This strategic priority focuses on improving nurse-sensitive indicators, such as reducing falls, pressure injuries and infections, while enhancing care coordination and efficiency. The organization implements cutting-edge technologies, such as predictive analytics and real-time monitoring systems, to proactively address potential safety issues. In addition, improving access to care, particularly for vulnerable populations, is a key objective. Efforts are made to streamline patient flow, reduce wait times and improve communication between nursing staff and patients to enhance the overall patient experience. Continuous monitoring of these indicators is a priority that ensures University Health remains a leader in patient safety and quality care.

Through these four strategic focus areas, University Health aims to position its nursing workforce as a driving force in shaping the future of health care. By prioritizing workforce development, excellence in practice, professional growth, and patient outcomes, the 2024-2028 Nursing Strategic Plan sets a clear and ambitious path forward. As the health care landscape continues to evolve, University Health is committed to remaining a leader in nursing innovation, ensuring that both nurses and patients thrive.

University Health proudly honored more than 300 nurses for their outstanding professional practice and unwavering commitment to patient care during the annual University Health Nursing Excellence Awards. Each nomination was carefully reviewed by 50 dedicated volunteers, and the candidates were evaluated through a rigorous and unbiased process by a panel of five independent judges. The awards ceremony, held on May 9, 2024, in the newly opened Judy and Jim Adams Conference Center, embraced the theme set by the American Nurses Association: “Nurses Make a Difference.”

Leading the ceremony were University Health nursing executives, including

• Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive, Dina Perez-Graham, MSN, RN
• Vice President and Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Charles Reed, PhD, RN, CNRN
• Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Irene Sandate, DNP, MSN, RN, NNP-BC
• Vice President and Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Nelson Tuazon, DNP, DBA, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, CPHQ, FNAP, FACHE

Together, they celebrated nursing excellence by recognizing nurses in the following prestigious categories:

• Emerging Bright Star Award
• Above and Beyond Award
• Firestarter Award
• Preceptor Excellence Award
• Clinical Nurse Educator Award
• Outstanding Clinical Excellence Award
• Nursing Team Excellence Award
• Modeling and Role Modeling Award
• Nursing Transformational Leadership Award
• The Gretta Styles Award

These awards celebrate the extraordinary contributions of nurses who go above and beyond to enhance patient care, support their colleagues and lead innovation within the nursing profession.

The Nursing Excellence Awards were just one of the many highlights of the 2024 Nurses Week celebrations.

In 2021, University Health launched the BexarPairs Mentoring Program, a forward-thinking initiative designed to accelerate the professional development of both clinical and non-clinical staff. The program aims to create a culture of continuous learning and collaboration by connecting employees from diverse departments with experienced mentors. These mentors provide invaluable guidance, share expertise and offer insightful career advice, all while helping to shape the leaders and professionals of tomorrow.

Whether you're a nurse eager to enhance your leadership skills or an administrative professional looking to expand your knowledge base, BexarPairs offers a tailored experience that fosters growth and empowerment. By facilitating meaningful connections between mentors and mentees, the program nurtures a supportive, collaborative environment where both personal and professional development flourish.

The program is open to all University Health employees, with clear requirements for both mentors and mentees to ensure the highest quality of engagement. Mentors are required to attend a Mentoring Workshop to ensure they are well-equipped to support their mentees effectively. Mentees, on the other hand, must have completed their unit or department orientation and onboarding, demonstrating readiness to engage in the program. To make the most of this opportunity, mentees must also complete the Mentoring Workshop, ensuring both mentors and mentees are aligned in their approach.

Each January, the BexarPairs Program takes a moment to celebrate the dedication of mentors who contribute their time and expertise to shaping the future of University Health. This annual celebration highlights the program’s success in cultivating a nurturing environment that allows employees to thrive, learn and advance within the organization.

Through the BexarPairs Mentoring Program, University Health is firmly committed to fostering a thriving, knowledgeable workforce where all employees are supported in their professional journeys, driving both individual growth and the long-term success of the organization.