# Akron Children's Hospital — Employer Knowledge Base

**Industry:** Healthcare | **Independent verification by Illuminate Registry**
**Last updated:** 2026-04-07

---

## About Akron Children's Hospital

Akron Children's Hospital is a company in the Healthcare industry. The following information has been verified through Illuminate's structured questionnaire process and human editorial review.

## Nursing Jobs

### What best describe your nursing culture?

Past employees detail that management is ‘caring’. There’s flexible scheduling and repeated notes of a ‘positive’ culture with friendly coworkers and strong community.  Others point out that its rewarding and encouraging place to work. They also repeatedly point out that there are great benefits. 

### How would nurses rate teamwork on units?

Employees report that the teamwork and culture are supported and stressed.  

**Sources:**
- [ACH Indeed Review](https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Akron-Children's-1/reviews?fcountry=US&ftopic=paybenefits&ftext=teamwork)

### Are nurses included in care decision discussions?

Yes, at Akron Children's Hospital, nurses are involved in clinical decision-making through shared governance and professional practice structures. They participate in unit-based and hospital-wide councils that address clinical practice, quality improvement, and professional development. Nurses assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care within their scope of practice and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, allowing them to contribute to decisions that affect patient care and nursing practice. 

### What is your typical nurse-to-patient ratios on most units?

Staffing goals for nurse-to-patient ratios are:  

Intensive Care Unit (ICU): 1:1 or 1:2 

Operating Room/Trauma: 1:1 

Emergency Department: 1:3 

Medical/Surgical Units: 1:4 to 1:6 

Psychiatric/Rehabilitation: 1:4 

### What are your typical shift structures?

Depending on department, shifts are either 8-hour or 12-hour.  Most clinical roles are 12-hour while support roles are 8-hour.   

**Sources:**
- [ACH Employee FAQ](https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Akron-Children's-1/faq/on-average-how-many-hours-do-you-work-a-day-at-akron-children-s?quid=1auu1jioaak51btn)
- [ACH Employee Shift FAQ](https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Akron-Children's-1/faq/what-times-are-a-typical-12-hour-night-shift-10p-to-10a-how-do-you-balance-a-12-hour-shift-with-your-family-and-children-at-home?quid=1bh48oh1tbrde9l8)

### What are the scheduling options offered?

Depending on department, Akron Children’s Hospital offers both fixed schedules and rotating shifts.  Flexible shifts are offered though the Helping Hands program.  

### Is flexible scheduling available?

Akron Children’s Helping Hands program is designed to maintain those critical services at their normal level so the bedside clinicians can focus on the care they need to give and not have to fill in some of those gaps.... Launched September 2021, Helping Hands is an opt-in, flexible staffing program where any current staff, clinical or non-clinical, can work additional hours in different roles to support direct and indirect patient care. Those who would like to participate in the program are matched with opportunities for assignments based on current skill sets and receive training to work across the hospital.” 

**Sources:**
- [ACH News](https://www.childrenshospitals.org/news/childrens-hospitals-today/2022/04/childrens-hospitals-work-to-address-nursing-staffing-challenges#:~:text=Enter%20a%20program%20at%20Akron,to%20work%20across%20the%20hospital.)

### Does your hospital offer nurse residency programs?

Yes, Akron Children’s Hospital offers residence programs for nurses and has student who are  LPNs,  BSN/ADNs, MSNs and APRNs.  

### Are specialty certifications supported financially?

Yes,Akron Children’s Hospital offers a generous tuition reimbursement program in addition to programs that offer tuition support and a living stipend for nursing students. 

### Are clinical ladder programs available for nurses?

Akron Children’s Hospital offers a broad range of advancement opportunities but does not offer a structured clinical ladder program.  

### Can nurses move into leadership roles internally?

Akron Children’s Hospital offers a Rising Nurse Leader Academy along with other developmental programs to advance nurses into leadership positions.  

### Which resources support nurse well-being?

Akron Children’s Hospital provides mental health coaching, therapy and other support for emotional well-being through Lyra. Employees and their spouses and dependents, regardless of enrollment in ACH medical benefits, are able to access a range of confidential support services including:  

25 coaching or therapy sessions per person per year at no cost to employees, and their spouses and dependents. 
24/7 support through Lyra’s Care Navigator Team. 
Unlimited access to an on-demand self-care library or research-backed videos, articles, meditations and more.  
Work-life services and expert advice including legal, financial, identity theft and dependent care services.

**Sources:**
- [ACH New Employee Guide](https://tbcdn.talentbrew.com/company/54/v3_0/2025-New-Hire-Guide_Employee.pdf)

### How frequently are nurses recognized for their contributions?

Nurses are recognized individually in their departments and through formal award and recognition programs such as Magnet Nurse of the Year and Beacon Awards.   

**Sources:**
- [ACH Nurse Outcomes Report](https://www.akronchildrens.org/files/902368/file/nursing-outcomes-report.pdf)

### Do nurses participate in quality improvement initiatives?

Nurses participate in unit-based and hospital-wide councils that address clinical practice, quality improvement, and professional development. 

**Sources:**
- [ACH Beacon Journal Article](https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2025/02/19/akron-childrens-hospital-virtual-nurse-program/78389354007/)

### Do nurses have access to advanced technology supporting care?

Nurses at Akron Children's Hospital utilize a variety of advanced technologies focused on artificial intelligence (AI), virtual care, and real-time patient monitoring to enhance safety and efficiency. Key technologies include an inpatient virtual nursing program, AI-driven safety sensors, and automated clinical documentation tools:

Virtual Nursing and Remote Monitoring :
care.ai Technology: Nurses use in-room, wall-mounted cameras and microphones from care.ai to perform virtual check-ins, admission/discharge, and patient education. 

Virtual Safety Monitoring: The technology allows virtual nurses to monitor multiple patients simultaneously to detect common safety risks, such as falls, unauthorized movement, or issues with safe sleep for infants. 

AI-Powered Sensors: In-room cameras utilize machine learning to recognize patterns and movements, alerting the virtual nurse, for example, if a patient at risk of falling starts to get out of bed. 

Virtual Companion Program: Launched in 2025, this program helps monitor patients who need 24/7 observation.  

Clinical Decision Support and AI:
Rothman Deterioration Index (DI): Akron Children's uses this AI-powered tool to analyze electronic health record (EHR) data, allowing nurses to see trendlines and detect patient deterioration before it becomes critical. 

Abridge AI: The hospital has adopted Abridge’s generative AI to handle ambient documentation, which reduces the administrative "pajama time" tasks for clinicians and allows them to focus more on patient care. 

Epic EMR Integration: The hospital is recognized as "Most Wired" for its comprehensive adoption of Epic electronic medical records, which are fully integrated into all inpatient and outpatient settings.  

Specialized Medical Equipment:
Transport Team Technology: Nurses in the transport team use advanced equipment for critically ill children, including neonatal/pediatric ventilators, in-room sensors for monitoring, and specialty gases like nitric oxide. 

Biofeedback Devices: Used in clinical settings to provide, real-time, visual feedback for patients on muscle engagement and relaxation. 

Sensory Technology: The hospital uses mobile sensory carts and dedicated sensory rooms to create calming environments.  

### What is the average tenure of your nurses?

5.6 years is the average tenure for nurses at Akron Children's Hospital.

**Sources:**
- [ACH Employee Statistics](https://www.zippia.com/akron-children-s-hospital-careers-19014/demographics/)

### What is your typical onboarding support?

Akron Children’s Hospital Advanced Practice Provider Transition to Practice program trains newly graduated nurse practitioners immediately after passing their boards- shaving the time from job offer to full productivity. 

**Sources:**
- [ACH Onboarding Model](https://www.childrenshospitals.org/news/childrens-hospitals-today/2026/02/cutting-time-to-care-an-early-onboarding-model-for-advanced-practice-providers)

### Why do nurses stay at your hospital?

Nurses stay at Akron Children’s Hospital because of the commitment to top quality care for pediatrics, the opportunities to advance their own careers and the collaborative environment  

### What type of nurse thrives in your environment?

Nurses who are team-oriented and collaborative thrive at Akron Children’s Hospital.  

### Do you have magnet status?

Akron Children’s Hospital is a Magnet hospital and has been awarded that designation consistently over the years.  

**Sources:**
- [ACH Magnet Status](Akron Children's Hospital | Magnet Hospitals   Akron Children's Hospital named Magnet Hospital)

### What are your major nursing specialties offered?

Akron Children's Hospital offers diverse pediatric nursing specialties across inpatient, outpatient, and surgical settings, focusing on acute care, chronic disease management, and specialized sub-specialties.  

Key areas include neonatal/perinatal medicine, cardiac services, burn care, and behavioral health, supported by advanced practice nurses.  

Key nursing specialties and departments include: 

Critical Care & Acute Care: Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU), Pediatric Intensive Care (PICU), and Emergency/Trauma nursing. 

Specialized Sub-specialties: 
Burn Care: Burn Institute. 
Cardiac Services: Cardiology and Arrhythmia Center. 
Oncology: Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer programs. 
Orthopedics: Spine center. 
Surgery: Bariatric surgery, Craniofacial center. 
Behavioral Health: Behavioral health and Autism center. 
Medical Specialties: Allergy/Immunology, Gastroenterology, and Endocrinology. 

### What is the number of total nurses that you employ?

Akron Children's Hospital employees:
428 Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
74 Nurse Leaders
1,995 Registered Nurses
147 Licensed Practical Nurses 

### Are you a teaching hospital?

Yes, Akron Children’s Hospital is a teaching hospital offering one-year residencies in nursing     

**Sources:**
- [ACH Rankings and Ratings](https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/oh/akron-childrens-hospital-6410055)
- [ACH Profile PracticeLink](https://jobs.practicelink.com/facility/akron-children-s-hospital/akron-children-s-hospital/)

### What is one sentence describing why nurses choose to work there?

Nurses chose Akron Children’s Hospital because the specialized focus on pediatrics ensures top quality care to patients and the hospital offers solid career advancement opportunities to the staff.   

### What locations does your hospital system serve?

Akron Children's Hospital Primary Service Areas and Regional Locations 

Main Campuses: Summit County (Akron) and Mahoning County (Boardman). 

Regional Health Centers & Primary Care: Locations are located in many surrounding counties, providing pediatric primary and specialty care, including urgent care (e.g., Akron Children's Locations). 

Counties Served: The 22-county service area generally includes: 
Summit 
Portage 
Stark 
Mahoning 
Medina 
Trumbull 
Columbiana 
Wayne 
Carroll 
Tuscarawas 
Ashtabula 
Lorain 
Cuyahoga 
As well as parts of surrounding counties in Northeast Ohio. 

**Sources:**
- [ACH Downtown Akron Profile](https://www.downtownakron.com/go/akron-childrens-hospital)

### Do you offer other programs for nurses?

Akron Children’s Career Launch program is designed to assist individuals, especially minorities, to further their education and careers by paying them to go to school and removing or minimizing any barriers that may stand in their way, including tuition, books, uniforms, fees and even childcare. 

 

“KeyBank and the KeyBank Foundation announced an investment of $750,000 in the Akron Children’s Foundation, aimed at supporting its Career Launch Program. Career Launch is a workforce development program designed to remove barriers for participants looking to return to school and seeking a career in the medical field. Those who are enrolled, either employees or community members, continue to work in their jobs while attending college courses that will put them on the path to a stable career in healthcare with advancement opportunities. Graduates from the program receive job placement with Akron Children’s.” 

**Sources:**
- [ACH Kent State Partnership](https://www.kent.edu/columbiana/news/adn-graduates-career-taking-akron-childrens-hospital)
- [ACH NurseGroups Profile](https://www.nursegroups.com/school/akron-children-s-hospital-akron-oh-44308?dir=Radiography)
- [ACH Receives Grant](https://www.3blmedia.com/news/akron-childrens-foundation-receives-750000-grant-keybank-support-hospitals-workforce)

## Universal Employer Questionnaire

### Which career development programs are available?

Akron Children's Hospital offers structured residency and fellowship programs across pediatric and subspecialty fields that combine clinical training, research, and mentorship to prepare physicians and specialists for independent practice. Akron Children's Hospital supports nursing and advanced practice development through academic partnerships, clinical rotations, and programs like ASCEND that facilitate career progression across all nursing levels. Akron Children's Hospital provides student and early-career pathways—including internships, shadowing, and research scholar programs—that serve as pipelines into full-time healthcare roles and advanced training. Akron Children's Hospital enables research and academic development through its Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, supporting clinical studies, publications, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Akron Children's Hospital delivers allied health and specialized training programs, such as medical laboratory science and pediatric optometry residencies, to build technical expertise in clinical support roles. Akron Children's Hospital promotes ongoing employee development through mentorship, continuing education, and leadership training that support long-term career advancement and internal mobility. 

**Sources:**
- [ACH Partnership with UAkron](https://www.uakron.edu/im/news/partnership-with-akron-childrens-offers-adn-students-100-prepaid-tuition-fees-for-uniforms-books-and-supplies)
- [ACH Workforce Dev Program](https://www.akron.com/articles/akron-childrens-receives-grant-for-workforce-development-program/)

### How would employees describe leadership accessibility?

Employees say that leadership accessibility at Akron Children's Hospital is mixed, with variation by department, and is often described in terms of responsiveness rather than formal access structures. Feedback varies by team, with some employees noting supportive immediate supervisors or helpful colleagues, suggesting that accessibility is often stronger at the local manager level than at the executive level. Overall, employees tend to describe leadership accessibility as mixed, with clearer access to direct supervisors but more limited visibility and responsiveness from senior leadership. 

### Which words best describe your workplace culture?
(provide up to 5)

Here are five words that best describe the workplace culture at Akron Children's Hospital based on employee feedback and organizational practices:

Collaborative
Patient-centered
Supportive
Structured
Fast-paced

### Do employees typically work remote, hybrid, or on-site?

Employees at Akron Children’s Hospital typically work on-site, the clinical roles are mostly all on site. There are some corporate and admin roles that are hybrid, and on rare occasions there are some fully remote roles.  

### How often do teams collaborate across departments?

At Akron Children's Hospital, cross-department collaboration occurs frequently and is integrated into day-to-day routines. Clinical staff work in interdisciplinary teams that coordinate care on a daily or per-shift basis, while formal structures such as councils and committees bring together representatives from different departments on a recurring schedule, often monthly or ongoing. Research activity also involves continuous collaboration across dozens of departments through a centralized institute, and some specialties hold regular case discussions with external partner hospitals. Overall, collaboration takes place at multiple levels; daily in patient care, regularly in governance and meetings, and continuously in research and system-wide initiatives. 

### How would employees describe leadership accessibility?

Employees say that leadership accessibility at Akron Children's Hospital is mixed, with variation by department, and is often described in terms of responsiveness rather than formal access structures. Feedback varies by team, with some employees noting supportive immediate supervisors or helpful colleagues, suggesting that accessibility is often stronger at the local manager level than at the executive level. Overall, employees tend to describe leadership accessibility as mixed, with clearer access to direct supervisors but more limited visibility and responsiveness from senior leadership. 

**Sources:**
- [ACH Glassdoor Review 1](https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Akron-Children-s-Hospital-akron-Reviews-EI_IE28249.0%2C25_KH26%2C31.htm)

### How frequently do employees interact with senior leadership?

Employees say that interaction with senior leadership at Akron Children's Hospital is generally quarterly and indirectly rather than routinely. Employees describe senior leaders as “far removed from day-to-day operations,” suggesting that most employees do not engage with them every day and instead receive communication secondhand (e.g., emails or announcements). In practice, employees report that interaction tends to occur occasionally or on an as-needed basis (such as escalations or organization-wide updates) rather than through frequent direct contact, while day-to-day communication is primarily with immediate supervisors or middle management. 

**Sources:**
- [ACH Glassdoor Review 2](https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Akron-Children-s-Hospital-akron-Reviews-EI_IE28249.0%2C25_KH26%2C31.htm)

### Does your company promote internally for leadership roles?

Akron Children's Hospital promotes from within frequently, but is primarily driven by structured career development rather than explicit promotion policies. Employees can advance through programs that provide additional training, credentials, and mentorship, which support movement into higher-responsibility positions over time. Advancement pathways are most visible in clinical roles, where staff can progress from entry-level positions into more specialized or senior roles. Overall, leadership advancement tends to be progression-based and gradual, with employees moving up through roles rather than entering formal, clearly defined internal leadership tracks. 

**Sources:**
- [ACH Workforce Dev Program](https://www.akron.com/articles/akron-childrens-receives-grant-for-workforce-development-program/)

### Which career development programs are available?

Akron Children's Hospital offers structured residency and fellowship programs across pediatric and subspecialty fields that combine clinical training, research, and mentorship to prepare physicians and specialists for independent practice. Akron Children's Hospital supports nursing and advanced practice development through academic partnerships, clinical rotations, and programs like ASCEND that facilitate career progression across all nursing levels. Akron Children's Hospital provides student and early-career pathways—including internships, shadowing, and research scholar programs—that serve as pipelines into full-time healthcare roles and advanced training. Akron Children's Hospital enables research and academic development through its Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, supporting clinical studies, publications, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Akron Children's Hospital delivers allied health and specialized training programs, such as medical laboratory science and pediatric optometry residencies, to build technical expertise in clinical support roles. Akron Children's Hospital promotes ongoing employee development through mentorship, continuing education, and leadership training that support long-term career advancement and internal mobility. 

**Sources:**
- [ACH Partnership with UAkron](https://www.uakron.edu/im/news/partnership-with-akron-childrens-offers-adn-students-100-prepaid-tuition-fees-for-uniforms-books-and-supplies)
- [ACH Workforce Dev Program](https://www.akron.com/articles/akron-childrens-receives-grant-for-workforce-development-program/)

### Does your company provide structured career paths for employees?

Yes, at Akron Children's Hospital, employees have access to structured career development pathways primarily through programs such as Career Launch, which allow participants to gain skills, earn credentials, and advance from entry-level to higher-skill clinical roles. These programs include mentorship, education support, and job placement within the hospital. Additional resources, including professional development courses, career coaching, and education assistance, support employee progression. Research and internship pathways also provide early-career exposure that can lead to long-term roles. 

### What is the average tenure of employees at your company?

Akron Children’s Hospital maintains a high average tenure of employees of around 9.3 years. Around 42% of employees work there for 11 years or more. An additional 45% work at Akron Children’s Hospital between 3-10 years. 

**Sources:**
- [ACH Corporate Information](https://www.signalhire.com/overview/akron-children-s-hospital)

### Which work-life balance options exist?

Employees at Akron Children's Hospital have access to several work-life balance options including paid time off that accrues with tenure, flexible scheduling arrangements negotiated with managers, and wellness and mental health support through employee assistance programs. The hospital also provides services to help manage family responsibilities, such as childcare or tutoring support, and standard benefits like health and disability coverage contribute to overall life stability.  

**Sources:**
- [ACH News 5 Cleveland Report](https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/akron-childrens-hospital-gets-creative-to-offer-flexibility-for-employees)

### Which employee well-being programs exist?

Akron Children's Hospital has a range of programs and benefits to support employee well‑being. The benefits program includes wellness and lifestyle supports such as preventive care coverage, wellness screenings, no-cost programs to manage weight and nutrition, fitness‑related discounts, and access to employee perks like gym memberships. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services are available to help with mental health and personal issues for employees and eligible dependents. The hospital also provides mental health and stress support resources for medical staff, residents, and fellows, including critical incident stress management, chaplaincy services, Schwartz Center Rounds for emotional support discussions, and confidential counseling partnerships. Additionally, there are efforts to address clinician burnout, including recognition through well-being initiatives and informal supports like peer mentorship and recreational activities aimed at connecting staff. 

**Sources:**
- [ACH New Hire Guide](https://tbcdn.talentbrew.com/company/54/v3_0/2025-New-Hire-Guide_Employee.pdf)

### Which benefits are emphasized in recruiting?

The benefits most important to candidates and emphasized in recruiting are career growth, education support and flexible work.  

**Sources:**
- [ACH New Hire Guide](https://tbcdn.talentbrew.com/company/54/v3_0/2025-New-Hire-Guide_Employee.pdf)

### Which benefits are offered to full-time employees?

Full-time employees at Akron Children's Hospital have access to a range of benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts. Paid time off accrues from the first day of employment and increases with tenure, and holiday pay is provided for eligible roles. The hospital offers educational and career support, including tuition assistance, professional development courses, and loan forgiveness programs. Employee well-being programs include preventive care, wellness screenings, nutrition and weight management programs, employee discounts, and access to counseling through an Employee Assistance Program. Financial benefits include retirement savings plans with employer contributions and a defined contribution pension plan. These benefits generally extend to eligible dependents and begin shortly after hire. 

**Sources:**
- [ACH New Hire Guide](https://tbcdn.talentbrew.com/company/54/v3_0/2025-New-Hire-Guide_Employee.pdf)

### Which benefits are offered to part-time employees?

Part-time employees at Akron Children's Hospital are eligible for a subset of the benefits offered to full-time staff, with eligibility depending on hours worked and job classification. This can include medical, dental, and vision insurance, short- and long-term disability, and the ability to purchase voluntary insurance coverage. Some retirement benefits, such as defined contribution pension or retirement savings plans, may also be available depending on eligibility rules. Paid time off and holiday pay accrue based on hours worked and tenure, and wellness resources such as preventive care, employee assistance programs, and discount programs are typically accessible to enrolled part-time employees. The exact benefits and accruals vary by schedule and position. 

**Sources:**
- [ACH New Hire Guide](https://tbcdn.talentbrew.com/company/54/v3_0/2025-New-Hire-Guide_Employee.pdf)

### Does your company have employee resource groups (ERGs)?

Yes — Akron Children's Hospital has formal employee resource groups (ERGs) that are part of its diversity, equity, inclusion, and engagement efforts. In 2024 the hospital relaunched its ERGs with formal charters, executive sponsors, and dedicated meeting space in the Unity Center, and the groups operate with quarterly activities and an ERG council that meets monthly. These ERGs include groups for Black Professionals and Allies, Hispanic and Allies, All Abilities and Allies, Pride and Allies, and Veterans and Allies, and they are intended to provide community, professional development, and a sense of belonging for employees. 

**Sources:**
- [ACH Resources](https://www.hrc.org/resources/healthcare-facilities/akron-childrens-hospital)

### Does leadership track diversity and inclusion metrics?

Yes, leadership at Akron Children's Hospital tracks diversity and inclusion metrics using a DEI scorecard that monitors workforce diversity, health equity, supplier diversity, and training outcomes. The hospital also maintains employee resource groups and a dedicated Unity Center, which provide data and feedback to support measurement of engagement and inclusion. While detailed metric reports are not always publicly available, these structures indicate that leadership actively measures progress and identifies gaps in diversity and inclusion initiatives. 

### Are employees encouraged to submit ideas for improvement?

Employees at Akron Children's Hospital are encouraged to submit ideas for improvement through formal structures such as the Center for Operational Excellence, which uses Lean and continuous improvement methods to involve staff in identifying and implementing process changes. Staff at all levels can contribute suggestions to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance care delivery. Additional forums, including internal listening sessions and meetings with leadership, provide opportunities for employees to raise concerns or offer ideas, although the degree to which suggestions are acted on can vary by department and manager. 
Feedback forums (such as internal “Listening Sessions” or CEO chats referenced in reviews) also provide ways for staff to raise concerns and suggestions, though the extent to which those are acted on can vary by department and manager. 

### How are employee ideas typically shared?

At Akron Children's Hospital, employee ideas are typically shared through structured continuous improvement processes in addition to informal channels. Staff contribute ideas during daily team huddles, which are used across most departments to discuss issues and improvements in real time, as well as through Lean-based improvement events (such as Kaizen projects) where cross-functional teams work together to identify problems and implement solutions. In addition, employees collaborate with the Center for Operational Excellence, which provides coaching and facilitates improvement initiatives using Lean methods, allowing ideas to be developed, tested, and implemented within formal projects. Overall, ideas are shared through a combination of routine team meetings, structured improvement events, and organization-wide process improvement programs. 

**Sources:**
- [ACH Lean Principles Article](https://sbnonline.com/article/how-akron-childrens-hospital-saved-millions-on-construction-and-improved-outcomes-with-lean-principles/2/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

### What are the top 3 reasons employees say they stay?

Employees retention is strong because employees are proud of the quality of care provided to patients, the ability to have input into important decisions and the career growth available to them.   

### What makes your workplace stand out most from competitors?

Akron Childrens’ team approach to care is often cited as a differentiator.  Collaboration between departments and strong communication across teams contributes to a positive working environment.  

### Which type of employee thrives most at your company?

Employees who thrive are always team-oriented and communicate easily.  Collaboration is essential for success.  

### What is the number of your full-time employees?

Akron Children’s Hospital employees more than 7,000 full time employees 

**Sources:**
- [ACH Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akron_Children%27s_Hospital)

### Where are your headquarters located?

Akron, Ohio 

**Sources:**
- [ACH Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akron_Children%27s_Hospital)

### What are the primary job functions you hire for?

Nursing

### How many years has your organization operated for?

Akron Children’s Hospital has operated for 136 years, since 1890, in various capacities. 

**Sources:**
- [Downtown Akron ACH Profile](https://www.downtownakron.com/go/akron-childrens-hospital)

### What is one sentence describing why someone should work at your company?

Akron Children’s Hospital provides an environment where you can deliver outstanding care, make a difference in childrens' lives and advance your career.  

### In the last 12 months, how has your company revenue performed?

Total consolidated revenue has shown steady growth year-over-year: 

FY 2024: $1.54 billion (up 11.4% from 2023). 

FY 2023: $1.38 billion. 

FY 2022: $1.21 billion.  

Net income and operating margins have also trended upward:  

Operating EBITDA Margin: Improved to 11% in FY 2024, up from 9.7% in FY 2022. 

Recent Performance: Data from Fitch Ratings shows continued improvement in early 2025, with margins reaching 11.3% in the first quarter

**Sources:**
- [ACH ProPublica](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/340714357)
- [ACH Fitch Ratings](https://www.fitchratings.com/research/us-public-finance/fitch-affirms-children-hospital-of-akron-oh-at-aa-outlook-stable-03-07-2025)

### In what year was your most recent reduction in force (layoff)?

Akron Children’s Hospital has not had any layoffs in modern history.  

## Healthcare Industry Questionnaire

### How frequently do clinical teams collaborate across departments?

At Akron Children's Hospital, clinical teams collaborate across departments on a frequent and ongoing basis as part of routine care delivery. Interdisciplinary coordination occurs during each shift, with staff working together to assess and adjust patient care in real time, resulting in daily and often multiple interactions per shift. In addition to this, teams participate in ongoing coordination and improvement activities that require regular cross-department interaction. Overall, collaboration is a large part of day-to-day patient care and occurs continuously rather than at fixed intervals. 

### How accessible is hospital leadership to frontline staff?

At Akron Children's Hospital, leadership accessibility is generally limited at the senior level and more accessible at the immediate manager level, with variation by department. Employee feedback indicates that senior leaders are often perceived as removed from day-to-day operations, resulting in infrequent direct interaction and limited responsiveness to escalated concerns. In contrast, frontline staff typically have regular access to local supervisors and managers, who handle most day-to-day communication and support.  

### Which professional development opportunities are offered?

At Akron Children's Hospital, professional development opportunities include tuition assistance for degrees and certifications, as well as career coaching, resume support, and professional development courses. Employees can participate in structured training pathways such as nurse residency programs, the ASCEND nursing track, and Career Launch programs that combine education, mentorship, and role progression. Additional opportunities include mentorship, job shadowing, and cohort-based learning. For clinical staff, residency and fellowship programs, continuing medical education, and research opportunities support specialization and academic development. Overall, development is supported through a mix of education funding, formal training, and on-the-job learning. 

### Does your hospital promote clinical staff into leadership roles?

At Akron Children's Hospital, clinical staff are promoted into leadership roles through progression from bedside positions into roles such as charge nurse, clinical coordinator, and nurse manager. These roles typically require prior clinical experience and demonstrated leadership responsibilities, such as mentoring or supervising other staff. Clinical employees also gain leadership experience through activities like precepting and participation in governance councils. Overall, advancement into leadership positions is based on experience and increasing responsibility over time rather than a single formal leadership track. 

### Are clinical career ladders available?

At Akron Children's Hospital, clinical career ladders are available, particularly within nursing. The hospital maintains a structured nursing career path that defines progression levels based on education, experience, competencies, and contributions to areas such as leadership, research, and quality improvement. Advancement is tied to specific criteria and may include different tracks for direct-care and specialty roles. While similar structures are less clearly defined for other clinical roles, nursing career progression follows a formal, tiered system. 

### How does your hospital support staff well-being?

Akron Children’s Hospital supports staff well‑being through a range of programs, benefits, and resources that address physical health, mental health, and work–life stability. The hospital’s benefits package includes preventive care and wellness services, such as health screenings and programs for nutrition and weight management. Employees have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that offers confidential counseling and support for personal or work‑related issues. Mental health and emotional support resources are available, including services like critical incident stress management and peer support opportunities for clinical staff. The organization also provides wellness‑related perks and discounts, such as fitness and lifestyle benefits, and offers support for managing family responsibilities through programs and services that help with childcare and work–life challenges. These supports are intended to help employees manage stress, maintain health, and balance personal needs with job demands. 

### How frequently are staff recognized for contributions to patient care?

At Akron Children's Hospital, staff contributions to patient care are recognized frequently through annual awards, unit- or team-based honors, and external recognitions such as Beacon and Lantern Awards. Individual and team achievements in patient care, quality improvement, and clinical practice are highlighted in these programs. Recognition occurs on a recurring basis through formal awards and celebrations tied to performance, making acknowledgment of contributions to patient care an ongoing practice within the organization. 

### How would employees describe teamwork in patient care?

Employees at Akron Children's Hospital generally describe teamwork in patient care as collaborative and supported by strong unit-level relationships, with coworkers helping each other complete care tasks and working toward common goals. Teamwork is viewed as a positive part of the culture, with staff covering for one another and sharing responsibilities. Experiences can vary by unit, and management challenges sometimes affect coordination, but overall clinical teams are considered cohesive and helpful in delivering patient care. 

**Sources:**
- [ACH Indeed Review](https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Akron-Children%27s-Hospital/reviews?ftext=rn)

### Which values best describe your care philosophy?

Akron Children’s Hospital provides specialized and age appropriate care ensuring the best outcomes for young patients. 

### Describe your hospital type.

Akron Children's Hospital is a pediatric hospital. It specializes in the care of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults and provides a range of pediatric services, including primary, specialty, and surgical care. The hospital also has academic and research affiliations, but its primary classification is as a pediatric hospital rather than a general community, behavioral health, or specialty adult facility.

### What is your hospital size (number of beds)?

Akron Children’s hospital has 385 total staffed beds 

**Sources:**
- [ACH Company Profile](https://www.ahd.com/free_profile/363303/Akron_Children's_Hospital/Akron/Ohio/)

### What is the average tenure of your clinical staff?

Employer profile data suggests that Akron Children’s Hospital maintains a high average tenure of all employees of around 9.3 years. Around 42% of employees work there for 11 years or more. An additional 45% work at Akron Children’s Hospital between 3-10 years.  

**Sources:**
- [ACH Corporate Profile](https://www.signalhire.com/overview/akron-children-s-hospital)

### Does your hospital operate residency or fellowship programs?

Yes, Akron Children's Hospital operates both residency and fellowship programs as a pediatric teaching hospital affiliated with Northeast Ohio Medical University. It offers an ACGME-accredited pediatric residency program with rotations in general pediatrics and other specialty areas. The hospital also provides fellowship programs in pediatric subspecialties, including emergency medicine, gastroenterology, hematology-oncology, hospital medicine, palliative care, pathology, and child and adolescent psychiatry, among others, allowing advanced clinical training in specialized areas. 

### Which community health initiatives does your hospital support?

Akron Children's Hospital supports community health initiatives focused on improving child and family health in its region. The hospital conducts a Community Health Needs Assessment to identify local priorities such as mental and behavioral health, access to care, and health education. It operates programs for preventive care, health screenings, chronic condition management, and care coordination, and collaborates with other providers through the Akron Children’s Health Collaborative to improve population health and expand behavioral health services. Additional efforts include partnerships with schools and community organizations, operational improvement projects for vulnerable populations, and resource centers that provide culturally sensitive support to reduce health inequities. 

**Sources:**
- [ACH Support's Minority Communities](https://www.ideastream.org/health/2024-04-23/akron-childrens-hospital-aims-to-support-minority-communities-with-new-resource-centers)

### Does your hospital hold Magnet status?

Yes. Akron Children's Hospital has Magnet status from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), which is a designation recognizing nursing excellence and quality patient care. The hospital has been designated as a Magnet organization multiple times (2007, 2012, 2016, and 2021) and is currently applying for redesignation in 2026. 

### Are nurses involved in clinical decision making?

Yes, at Akron Children's Hospital, nurses are involved in clinical decision-making through shared governance and professional practice structures. They participate in unit-based and hospital-wide councils that address clinical practice, quality improvement, and professional development. Nurses assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care within their scope of practice and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, allowing them to contribute to decisions that affect patient care and nursing practice. 

### What types of professionals thrive in your hospital?

Team-oriented individuals who have strong collaboration skills thrive in this environment.  

### What differentiates your hospital as an employer?

Akron Children’s Hospital specialization in pediatric care and commitment to ensuring life-long benefits to young patients is unique. 

### What are the regions you serve?

Primary Service Areas and Regional Locations 

Main Campuses: Summit County (Akron) and Mahoning County (Boardman). 

Regional Health Centers & Primary Care: Locations are located in many surrounding counties, providing pediatric primary and specialty care, including urgent care (e.g., Akron Children's Locations). 

Counties Served: The 22-county service area generally includes: 
Summit 
Portage 
Stark 
Mahoning 
Medina 
Trumbull 
Columbiana 
Wayne 
Carroll 
Tuscarawas 
Ashtabula 
Lorain 
Cuyahoga 

As well as parts of surrounding counties in Northeast Ohio. 

### How many years have you been in operation?

Akron Children’s Hospital has operated for 136 years, since 1890, in various capacities. 

**Sources:**
- [ACH Downtown Akron Profile](https://www.downtownakron.com/go/akron-childrens-hospital)

### What are your top 3 specialties offered?

At Akron Children's Hospital, while it offers many pediatric subspecialties, some of the top and most prominent specialty areas include cardiology, ear, nose and throat (ENT), and cancer and blood disorders (hematology/oncology), which are consistently featured among its main programs. These specialties are part of a broader set of advanced pediatric services alongside critical care, neurology, orthopedics, and others, but cardiology, ENT, and cancer/blood disorders are commonly highlighted as core areas of expertise. 

### What is one sentence that describe why healthcare professionals choose your hospital?

Healthcare professionals chose Akron Children’s Hospital because the specialized focus on pediatrics ensures top quality care to patients and the hospital offers solid career advancement opportunities to the staff.   

### What is one sentence that describes your patient care mission?

Akron Children’s Hospital recognized the unique physical and emotional needs of young patients and provides state of the art compassionate care.  

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## Video Transcripts

### Akron Children's Hospital - Career Launch Program - University of Akron Association

My name is Ashley, and I am part of the Career Launch program at Akron Children's Hospital. I am currently getting my associate's degree in nursing at The University of Akron. I have had such a great experience with Career Launch and the amazing things that they have done for me so far and to come in the future. They completely are paying for my tuition, paying for my books, anything supply-wise that I need, they're paying for it. Scrubs, shoes, even if I would need childcare for my own personal kids, they would pay that as well. So it's been an amazing experience, and I'm excited to be able to work for Children's after I graduate, and I hope that you join us as well.

### Akron Children's Hospital - Pediatric Endocrinologist

Hello, I am Naveen Uli. I'm the division director for the Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology here at Akron Children's Hospital. And to tell you why you would come here, I think I should tell you why I came here three years ago. Although Akron Children's does not have a big brand name recognition, it's a little gem on its own, which I realized after I came here, because I was in a major institution right next door. But what makes Akron Children's special is the collegiality and the teamwork that all the people in this department show. So we are, right now, a total of 16 providers with 17 nurses, two dieticians, a social worker, and a phenomenal office staff. And the way our setup of the office and the clinic space is, it allows the providers to work with each other and discuss challenging cases with each other because our workspace brings us together. And we are surrounded by the patient room, so we are in a common space and allows us to have a discussion during our regular workday. And endocrinology, of course, encompasses a variety of organ systems, and we overlap nicely with general pediatrics. But what makes Akron Children's special is the fact that Akron Children's as an institution invests in its community, and so we have a lot of services available to us that might not be available at other major institutions. For example, the school nursing staff in a variety of school districts are actually the employees of Akron Children's itself, and they have access to our EMR, so the care of children with diabetes is very seamless throughout their day. So that makes it much better for the families and the children. In addition, we as a group are really very collegial, and we like to work with each other. And that's what brought me here, that's what keeps me here, and I hope that will be attractive enough to you for

### Akron Children's Hospital - Certified Surgical Technologist

Hi, my name is Mike, and I am a certified surgical technologist at Akron Children's Hospital. I've been at the organization for 10 years, and I've been scrubbing in the OR for eight years. The thing I love most about working at Akron Children's is feeling like you're really part of a team that's constantly striving to do better and getting to participate in a variety of cases and procedures across all specialties, and really feel like you're part of a team making a big difference and helping change lives. Some of the benefits of working at Akron Children's includes a lot of educational opportunities for advancement, such as our educational assistance program in the form of tuition reimbursement. We also have a career launch program that features targeted positions such as nursing, X-ray, and other technological schools that come at 100% paid for tuition, including supplies, assistance with childcare, and flexible scheduling. So come apply today at Akron Children's. We look forward to having you as part of our team, and we hope to hear from you soon.

### Akron Children's Hospital - Staff Nurse - Resource Pool II

Hello. My name is Jason. I've been part of the float pool for nine years. I'm not going anywhere. I love it, and there's many reasons that I love it. One of the main reasons is the staff, the supervisors, the educators, they're all here to advocate for you, to inspire you, to train you, to help you to be the best nurse possible. And along with that, we float to every unit, every department, every diagnosis, every age, you name it, and we are there to grow in these skills, and they are so happy to see us because we're coming there to help fill a void that's happening. And along with that, what I love is that I am inspired and motivated to grow in my critical thinking skills, my nursing skills. So again, I can bring about the best quality care possible, along with reaching as many lives and families as I can. So again, I only have so much time here, but if you want to learn more, which there's so much more, come and see for yourself. Have a great day.


---

## Additional Sources

- [Akron Children's Hospital Enhancing Nurse Workforce Diversity Through a Nurse Technician Internship Program](https://www.nurseleader.com/article/S1541-4612(19)30348-9/fulltext) — A study looking at how Akron Children's Hospital increased nurse workforce diversity by implementing a nurse technician internship program
- [ACH Supports Minority Community - Idea Stream Article](https://www.ideastream.org/health/2024-04-23/akron-childrens-hospital-aims-to-support-minority-communities-with-new-resource-centers) — Akron Children's Hospital supports minority community with new resource centers
- [Akron Children's program pays tuition, guarantees nursing jobs for underrepresented students](https://www.ideastream.org/health-science/2022-02-24/new-akron-childrens-program-pays-tuition-guarantees-nursing-jobs-for-underrepresented-students) — Akron Children's Hospital pays the tuition and guarantees nursing jobs for underrepresented  students
