Nursing Recognition
Since 1921, Cleveland Clinic nurses have played an integral role in the organization’s history and success. As one of the founders, Dr. Bunts, stated, “Nurses…without whose aid I am sure such success as I have had would not be possible.” As part of a quaternary referral center, Cleveland Clinic nurses care for complex patients across a wide range of practice settings, including inpatient units, ambulatory clinics, procedural areas, patients’ homes and critical care transport. Regardless of setting, patients can expect evidence-based care delivered by nurses who are prepared to function as essential members of the interprofessional team. Cleveland Clinic nurses serve in a variety of roles, including clinical nurses, nurse leaders and advanced practice nurses.
Who We Are
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit, multispecialty academic medical center located in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland Clinic was founded in 1921 by four physicians who envisioned outstanding patient care grounded in cooperation, compassion and innovation. Its original mission, “Better care for the sick, investigation into their problems, and education of those who serve,” established the foundation for Cleveland Clinic’s growth into a 1,300+ bed acute care hospital, with family health centers and medical practice affiliations. In 2021, during the organization’s 100th anniversary, Cleveland Clinic introduced a refreshed mission statement: “Caring for life, researching for health and educating those who serve.”
In the early 2000s, Cleveland Clinic adopted the institute model, and nursing became The Stanley Shalom Zielony Institute for Nursing Excellence. The Nursing Institute’s vision is “To be the global leader in nursing excellence today and tomorrow.” This vision reflects nursing’s ongoing commitment to Magnet Recognition Program® principles and to advancing excellence in nursing practice. Cleveland Clinic Main Campus achieved Magnet Recognition in 2003 and has continued its commitment to providing high-quality, safe, innovative care. We also take pride in serving our communities and responding to the broader health needs of the people we serve.
Cleveland Clinic nurses play a vital role in advancing health by educating patients, families and communities about health care needs, wellness and disease prevention. Beyond the bedside, Cleveland Clinic nurses extend this commitment by helping prepare the next generation of nurses through academic partnerships, student learning experiences and outreach programs for high school students exploring nursing careers.
Professional Practice Model
The Zielony Nursing Institute Professional Practice Model is a visual representation of the values, organizational structures and processes that provide a unifying framework for the practice of nursing at Cleveland Clinic. Our nurses use the model to guide their nursing practice, ensuring the highest quality compassionate care. The model’s concepts of Professional Governance, Team of Teams, Strategic Leadership and Engagement are overarching themes that support the daily work of nurses. Nurses work within the components of quality & safety, relationship-based culture, professional practice & development and research, EBP & innovation to deliver world-class care.
Shared Governance
Shared governance is an empowering organizational model that creates a structure for shared decision-making in the clinical care of patients. Shared governance gives nurses across all care settings a voice to affect their practice, and the care provided for patients. It supports a culture of partnership, accountability and ownership, which enhances nursing satisfaction, retention, patient satisfaction and quality outcomes.
When granting Magnet® recognition and Pathway to Excellence® program designations, the American Nurses Credentialing Center considers how well the principles of shared governance are implemented throughout an organization.
