Nursing Careers

Nursing Career Paths

Across southeast and south central Michigan, Henry Ford nurses care for our friends, families and neighbors – in their homes, at our hospitals and from our outpatient practices and medical centers. Our nurses come from across Michigan and beyond to experience the supportive culture and opportunities for advancement Henry Ford Health provides.

No matter which nursing career path you choose, Henry Ford Health provides the opportunities, training and support you need to be successful.

Experience Engagement, Caring and Belonging

“New nurses need to find a home where they are welcome. I am here because I want to share my knowledge with a new generation. I take an interest in every new nurse in the Emergency Department. I want them to have fun as well learn and become confident.”

– Gail VanStanton, BSN, RN, CEN, Clinical Coordinator, Emergency Department, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital

Working with supportive and caring team adds enjoyment to every workday. As a widely recognized leader in nursing culture, Henry Ford Health fosters mutual respect and partnership among our nursing team, physicians and other members of each patient’s care team. At every level of our organization, your expertise is respected and your input is encouraged and valued.

The Henry Ford Health team is passionate about connecting with patients and their family members and making each person feel seen and listened to. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment that welcomes and values everyone who walks through our doors.

Advance and Thrive with Us

We encourage our nurses to take part in our shared governance. Each of our hospital units has a governance committee with peer-elected members who help set practices that drive their areas of specialty.

For specialties other than ambulatory nursing, our Professional Nurse Advancement Program (PNAP) helps you achieve your professional goals and serves as a ladder for growth throughout your career.

Never Stop Learning

As a Henry Ford Health nurse, you will thrive in a continuous learning environment. We encourage continuing education beyond what is needed to keep your certification, and tuition assistance is available. You’ll be able to choose from our flexible schedule of on-site classes, workshops and conferences that cover such topics as:

• Critical care
• Nursing leadership
• Preceptor development

As we encourage experienced nurses to continue their professional development, we are also developing the next generation of nurses. New nurses can confidently transition into clinical nursing practice through our 12-month Nurse Residency Program. This allows them to experience different areas of care, so they can find their passion as they develop key nursing skills.

Through our Nurse Extern Program, nursing students gain experience by working in the hospital environment during the school year or over summer break.

Elevate Patient Care and Outcomes

Evidence-based practice is the best nursing can give to its patients and families and the communities we serve. As a staff nurse working around the clock and the calendar, you are in the perfect position to evaluate patient care and outcomes and ask the right questions that are necessary to making improvements.

By asking questions and seeking answers through the nursing research process, you can add to the body of scientific nursing knowledge and improve nursing practice and patient care.