Nursing

Nation’s highest recognition for nursing excellence

UC Davis Medical Center has long been identified as a U.S. center of nursing excellence devoted to optimal, collaborative and evidence-based care. We are privileged to have been granted Magnet® recognition status by the American Nurses Credentialing Center again in 2018. Only about 8 percent of U.S. hospitals carry Magnet® designation, and UC Davis is currently the only medical center in Sacramento to earn the recognition.

PICU honored with Silver Beacon Award for Excellence

In 2019, the Pediatric and Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PICU) received the Silver-Level Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). Recognized units have met AACN’s rigorous certification process that ensures a commitment to nursing excellence, building strong relationships between patients, and improving outcomes and overall patient care satisfaction. Each unit has shown dedication to teamwork, high morale in the work environment, and supportive environments of professionalism among colleagues and leaders.

National Magnet Nurse of the Year

NICU nurse Christa Bedford-Mu, M.S.N., R.N., CNS-BC, was named National Magnet Nurse of the Year for New Knowledge, Innovation and Improvement at the American Nurses Credentialing Center National Magnet Conference. The recognition is given to five nurses annually for outstanding contributions in innovation, consultation, leadership, and professional risk-taking.

Bedford-Mu is a board-certified neonatal clinical nurse specialist and a key participant in innovative telehealth programs at UC Davis Children’s Hospital. She is a lead contributor to a tele-visit and telehealth project aimed at improving the transition from the NICU to home, which has allowed for earlier discharge, increased parental and provider satisfaction, and reduced readmission rates.

Community classrooms served by Operation Backpack

During the eighth year of Operation Backpack, nurses collected a total of 323 backpacks filled with supplies to serve classrooms throughout the region. The program aims to help ensure that all children from preschool to high school are prepared in order to improve their chances for success.

	Christa Bedford-Mu with pediatric patient Gabe King
Christa Bedford-Mu with pediatric patient Gabe King.