Nursing Excellence Central to System Care, Philosophy
From community clinics to the most acute services, nurses are the cornerstone to achieving our mission to improve health through the highest standard of patient care. The impact is significant. Our neighbors turned to the Albany Med Health System more than 3 million times in 2024. In nearly every instance, a nurse was at their side.
Because our System provides the widest range of advanced care in northeastern New York, our nurses hold the most diverse skillset. They work together to ensure coordinated care during every moment of a patient’s journey. It may begin at a primary care office in Saratoga County, lead to a visit with a specialist in Albany, and continue with follow-up care at home.
The System has more than 80 specialties. Nurses bring quality, compassion, and teamwork to each one with every interaction.
Megan Keenan, RN, DNP, vice president and chief nursing officer at Albany Medical Center, said, “That’s why I chose to grow my career right here. The opportunities were endless.”
She first saw them 20 years ago, when she was an administrative assistant in vascular surgery.
“The nurses I supported inspired me,” Keenan said. “They stood for excellence, and it showed in the quality of care they provided.”
Award-Winning Care
Today, Keenan leads a team of nurses who care for the most critically injured patients at the area’s only Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma center, to friends from their neighborhoods at their annual check-ups, and everything in between.
“Our scope service allows us to care for patients wherever they may be, at any moment in their lives,” Keenan said. “We form a strong connection with the people we serve, and it fosters unity on our team with a commitment to provide the very best care.”
Patients and colleagues both recognize the difference.
“Gina’s dedication, professionalism, and heartfelt approach to nursing left a lasting impression on our entire family.”
“Dan’s dedication, empathy, and bedside manner helped restore a part of me I thought I had lost. Because of him, I’ve rediscovered laughter and lightness in life.”
"Evelyn is an incredible role model for the generations of nurses coming behind her. She has created a family atmosphere for the staff. They work together for the betterment of all."
These words have earned dozens of awards from the Times Union’s Salute to Nurses, DAISY Awards for Extraordinary Nurses, and in Albany, Pillars of Nursing Awards for Nursing Excellence.
Nurses have also been central to Albany Medical Center being named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces in Health Care and for Diversity from Newsweek, Saratoga Hospital as one of the World’s Best Hospitals also from Newsweek, Albany Medical Center and Glens Falls Hospital as Best In-State Employers by Forbes, and countless other recognitions.
“Awarding excellence reinforces excellence,” Keenan said. “It drives us and our mission.”
Magnets for Success
Among the highest honors a hospital can receive for nursing excellence is Magnet designation. The American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet Recognition Program designates organizations where nursing leaders align strategic goals in nursing to improve patient outcomes.
Saratoga and Glens Falls hospitals have earned Magnet Recognition, a status that reflects sustained investment in nursing achievement including education and certification, professional development, and innovative practices.
Fewer than 10 percent of U.S. hospitals have achieved Magnet status, and less than one percent have done so five times or more.
Saratoga Hospital earned its fifth designation in July 2025, which President and CEO Jill VanKuren described as “a powerful reflection of our nurses’ unwavering dedication to excellence, innovation, and compassionate care. It speaks to the strength of the entire team and their commitment to providing the highest quality of care to every patient, every day.”
“Earning Magnet designation is more than a badge of honor—it’s about creating an environment where nurses, patients, and the entire organization thrive,” said Jamie Aliperti, RN, director of the Magnet Program at Glens Falls Hospital, which earned its second designation in October 2025. “Seeing the impact it has—not only on nurses but also on the patients and families we serve—is incredibly rewarding.”
In May 2025, Columbia Memorial Health received a $5 million grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation’s Nursing Initiative program to pursue Magnet Recognition over the next five years.
Albany Medical Center is also beginning the Magnet Recognition process.
An Ongoing Commitment
The System is committed to supporting nurses throughout their careers, with tuition assistance, professional development, and leadership opportunities that foster empowerment and excellence.
Nurse residency programs in Albany, Glens Falls, and Saratoga allow newly licensed nurses to increase knowledge and confidence.
“Our nursing residency program underscores the vital role nurses have within our organization and our dedication to their success,” Keenan said. “Supporting new nurses in their transition to practice reinforces our commitment to a workforce the drives quality, safety, and innovation in patient care.”
As director of the residency at Glens Falls Hospital, Katie Fowler, RN, recalls her experiences as new nurse. “The program provides the foundation for safe, consistent practice, encourages open communication, and gives residents a sense of pride in being part of this hospital community and a sense belonging from the start,” she said. “It reinforces that they are never alone.”
Nor is the patient who can count on a nurse to be at their side to help overcome any challenge.
Be part of the team!
Explore careers in nursing throughout the System.
