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Nursing

St. Jude nurses are specially trained in pediatrics. They are committed to delivering safe, effective care that meets each child’s needs.

Two nurses working together

At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, our nurses provide expert, compassionate care—whether at the hospital, in the clinics, or in patient housing. They deliver safe, personalized support designed around your child’s unique needs.

Thanks to their dedication, St. Jude has been recognized as a Magnet-designated hospital—the highest honor a hospital can receive for nursing excellence. Awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, Magnet status reflects outstanding patient care, strong teamwork, and exceptional nursing leadership. Fewer than 1 in 10 hospitals in the U.S. have earned this distinction.

Services we provide

Nurses have many different roles at St. Jude. They may:

  • Get your child ready for a procedure or treatment
  • Monitor your child’s health
  • Check vital signs
  • Perform exams
  • Draw blood or other samples
  • Give medicines such as chemotherapy
  • Help with daily care such as hygiene and comfort
  • Manage care plans
  • Conduct research to improve patient care

Nurses also help families understand a patient’s diagnosis, treatment plans, medicines, and home care.

Your nursing team

You may meet many different nurses during your child’s care and treatment. Some focus on daily bedside care. Others specialize in areas like surgery, urgent care, or intensive care. At St. Jude:

  • More than 800 nurses work in 32 departments.
  • About 550 of those nurses work in direct patient care.
  • Each nurse is able to provide focused care through low nurse-to-patient care ratios. About 95% of our registered nurses (RNs) have baccalaureate degrees or higher degrees. (The national average is 55%.)
  • About 73% of our RNs have specialty certifications. (The national average is 39%.) 
  • About 100% of our nursing leaders have specialty certifications.

“Our daughter requests specifically to be on the 5th floor so she can hang with Miss Bella; she now doesn't dread staying confined within the walls of the hospital because she knows there will be fun and laughter sprinkled in.“

- Excerpt from DAISY Award nomination

Make an award nomination

We are proud to recognize and support the extraordinary work of our nurses and support staff. We encourage you and your family to nominate those who go above and beyond to make a difference in our community.

DAISY Award

The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses is a way for patients, families, and colleagues to honor nurses at St. Jude. It is given out 4 times each year. 

Anyone can nominate a nurse for the DAISY Award. We will let you know if the nurse you nominate wins this award.

Submit a DAISY Award Nomination

BEE Award

The BEE Award recognizes support personnel who have provided exceptional care and service to patients and families. It is given out once each year.

Anyone can nominate a nurse for the BEE Award. We will let you know if the nurse you nominate wins this award.

Submit a BEE Award Nomination 

Learn more