Magnet Nursing
Achieved by Trinity Health Grand Rapids
Magnet® Designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center
Trinity Health Grand Rapids is proud to hold Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a distinction we’ve maintained since 2013. This honor represents the highest standard of nursing excellence and quality patient care, achieved by fewer than 10% of hospitals nationwide.
For our patients and families, Magnet® designation means better outcomes, higher satisfaction, and care delivered by nurses who are leaders in their profession and deeply committed to advancing health and healing.
Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP)
The ANCC Practice Transition Accreditation Program® (PTAP) sets the global standard for helping registered nurses (RNs) successfully transition from the classroom to clinical practice. Trinity Health Grand Rapids is proud to have earned PTAP accreditation in 2023, reflecting our commitment to supporting new nurses as they begin their careers.
Our Nurse Residency Program goes beyond traditional orientation by offering seminar-based support designed to build confidence and critical thinking and a dedicated Nurse Residency Coordinator to support new-graduate nurses throughout their first year. This program ensures new graduates receive the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to thrive in their profession.
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Our nurses are the backbone of our clinical services, and we are grateful to have a dedicated, talented team. Discover the nursing opportunities available at Trinity Health Michigan.
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Learn more about defining models we use to ensure exceptional patient care.
Professional Practice Model
The American Nurses Credentialing Center defines professional practice models as “a schematic description of a system, theory, or phenomenon that depicts how nurses practice, collaborate, communicate, and develop professionally to provide the highest-quality care for those served by the organization. Professional practice models illustrate the alignment and integration of nursing practice with the mission, vision, and values that nursing has adopted.” The tree is a visual representation that brings our professional nursing practice to life. It illustrates what our nurses do every day as they provide excellent nursing care to those entrusted to us. This model provides an overarching conceptual framework which guides our practice.
Theory of Human Caring
At Trinity Health Grand Rapids, we believe that healing begins with compassionate, person-centered care. Guided by Dr. Jean Watson’s Caring Science & Human Caring Theory, we weave the Caritas Processes into every aspect of our practice. Caritas, rooted in the Latin word for “love,” reflects the intentional, heartfelt care we offer – seeing each patient as a whole person worthy of dignity, respect, and understanding.
Watson’s Caring Science emphasizes the vital connection between mind, body, and spirit, creating an environment where patients feel valued, supported, and genuinely cared for. This philosophy naturally aligns with our Mission and Core Values, shaping how we serve every person, every day.
Our mission – “We serve together in the spirit of the Gospel as a compassionate and transforming healing presence within our communities”—perfectly mirrors the essence of Caritas. Just as Caritas calls us to form authentic human connections, our mission inspires us to transform lives through compassionate, healing relationships. By living this mission, we ensure that our care extends beyond clinical treatment, embodying the love and compassion at the heart of Caritas. Learn more about the Human Caring Theory.
We are proud to share that Trinity Health Grand Rapids received the Watson Caring Science Lotus Award in 2025. This recognition from the Watson Caring Science Institute honors organizations that authentically demonstrate the values, philosophy, and practices of Watson’s Caring Science. It reflects our deep commitment to fostering a caring and healing culture for our staff, patients, and communities. Discover more about this recognition.
Clinical Advancement System
Our Clinical Advancement System (CAS) has been empowering nurses since 1982. Based on Patricia Benner’s Novice to Expert theory and evolving from a passionate initiative by RN colleagues who wanted to create meaningful opportunities for growth and recognition in direct patient care. Today, the CAS continues to serve as a professional advancement model that celebrates clinical expertise and supports nurses in reaching their full potential. The CAS recognizes and rewards nurses for continuing professional development, contribution to nursing practice, and encourages professional growth.
Shared Decision-Making Alliance
The Nursing Shared Decision-Making Alliance (SDMA) is a collaborative partnership among nursing leadership, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Its purpose is to promote empowerment, advance professional nursing practice, and create a healthy work environment through shared decision-making.
Our model is council-based, bringing nurses from diverse service areas together to exchange perspectives, expand knowledge, and make evidence-based decisions that improve patient outcomes and professional development.
The SDMA serves as the organization’s recognized structure for accountability and professional nursing practice.