Nursing
What does it mean to be a nurse at University Medical Center New Orleans?
Our Nursing Professional Practice Model represents the values and behaviors that guide nursing practice at University Medical Center New Orleans (UMCNO). At its center are our whys: patients, family, and community.
Our model reflects six interconnected commitments that shape how UMCNO nurses practice, grow, support one another, and make a difference: understanding, mentoring, caring, nurturing, legacy, outstanding.
Together, these principles represent our commitment to evidence-based practice, professional development, compassionate care, community service, nursing excellence, and a strong legacy of caring for New Orleans.
University Medical Center New Orleans’ Nursing Professional Practice Model
Understanding: Evidence guides our practice.
UMCNO nurses use research, evidence, and clinical knowledge to improve the care we provide every day. At UMCNO, nurses:
- Participate in nursing research and evidence-based practice
- Develop and present nurse-led projects
- Share nursing innovation at local and national conferences
Mentoring: We grow nurses by investing in nurses.
At UMC, nurses learn from one another. Experienced nurses share their knowledge, students gain real-world clinical experience, and new nurses are supported as they transition into practice.
At UMC:
- Approximately 1,200 nursing students engage with our organization annually
- Senior nursing students complete clinical experiences with UMC nurses
- Our Nurse Tech Program pairs senior nursing students with experienced nurse preceptors
- Nurses serve as preceptors, mentors, educators, and role models
Caring: Compassion is at the heart of our practice.
At UMC, caring means combining clinical expertise with compassion, presence, and advocacy for every patient and family.
Our nurses extend that commitment beyond the hospital through community outreach and service. Our nurses make an impact through:
- Community health screenings
- Burn prevention and education
- Community education
- Patient and family advocacy
- Outreach throughout the New Orleans community
Nurturing: Your growth matters here.
Nurturing means creating an environment where nurses can develop personally and professionally throughout their careers.
At UMC, nurses have opportunities to build their knowledge, expand their practice, pursue professional certifications, and advance their careers through:
- Clinical Ladder
- Specialty certification support
- Tuition reimbursement
- Nurse Residency & Nurse Fellowship
- Preceptor development
- Leadership development
- Continuing education
- Professional nursing organizations and councils
Legacy: Rooted in New Orleans. Caring for our community
Legacy represents UMC's long history of serving and caring for the people of New Orleans and the surrounding community.
Our nurses continue that tradition by caring for patients inside the hospital and serving the community outside of it.
UMC nurses give back through volunteer opportunities such as:
- Community events
- Volunteer initiatives
- Charitable partnerships
- Local outreach
Outstanding: Excellence is something we practice every day.
Outstanding represents our commitment to excellence in nursing practice, professional achievement, innovation, and patient outcomes.
UMC nurses are recognized for their contributions to patients, the profession, and the community through local, regional, and national awards.
- Daisy Award
- Great 100 Nurses
- NODNA
- Nightingale Awards
