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From the nation’s first library to its famous cheesesteaks, Philadelphia offers unique history and flair to healthcare professionals looking for a change of scenery. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) ranked No. 4 on the 2023-24 U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals Honor Roll and attracts many pediatric nurses and allied health professionals throughout the country. Discover what it’s like to work at this renowned teaching facility and if this hospital is the right fit for your career in this employer spotlight.
Overview of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, in the heart of Philadelphia, PA, is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania medical school’s pediatric department and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, one of the country’s largest research facilities. Founded in 1855 by Francis West Lewis, it has grown tremendously in pediatric research and medical services over the years.
CHOP is part of CHOP Care Network, the largest pediatric healthcare network in the nation. CHOP Care Network provides pediatric services throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey and also recently opened a second hospital in King of Prussia, PA, called Middleman Family Pavilion.
Today, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has 627 beds and employs over 16,000 people. For the past 11 years, U.S. News & World Report ranked CHOP’s Department of Pediatrics as the No. 1 pediatric training program. It offers competitive pediatric fellowships, continuing education, medical residency and minority medical student research programs to entice healthcare professionals to join its ranks.
Mission, Vision and Principles
According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s website, its mission is to “be the world leader in the advancement of healthcare for children by integrating excellent patient care, innovative research and quality professional education into all of its programs.”
It seeks to provide family-centered care while promoting research, education and advocacy. CHOP’s primary goal is “to make sick children well and to secure a healthy future for families.”
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia embodies its “ICARE” values, an acronym representing “integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and excellence.” It also strives to promote leadership and strong partnerships.
Awards, Honors and Accreditations
Recognized for advancing pediatric innovation and technology, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has earned numerous awards and accolades. Forbes ranked the hospital No. 1 on its list of America’s Best Large Employers for 2022. It also ranked No. 1 best regional hospital in Pennsylvania and No.1 in the Mid-Atlantic in 2023-24, per the U.S. News & World Report.
CHOP earned its first Magnet recognition for nursing excellence in 2004 from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The Magnet Recognition Program is a voluntary application process where nurses demonstrate their excellence in improving patient outcomes. CHOP earned its fourth Magnet recognition in 2019 and is currently reapplying for its fifth.
Some additional certifications, accreditations, honors and awards the hospital has earned include:
- Hospital Accreditation by The Joint Commission on Health Care Organizations
- 2023 APEX Recognition Award from the American Association of Respiratory Care
- 2022 First Place in the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania’s COVID Response Innovation Awards
- 2020 Most Innovative Hospitals by Parents magazine
- 2019 Excellence Award for Outstanding Diversity Program from the Delaware Valley HR Department of the Year Program
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is also a designated Human Genome Center through the National Institutes of Health. The hospital has worked on chromosome mapping and sequencing since the early 1990s. Heartland Forward ranked it as one of the top research facilities in the U.S.
Top Specialties at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Children’s Hospital University has over 50 clinics and health facilities, providing a vast network of pediatric services. The 2023-24 U.S. News & World Report ranked 10 of CHOP’s pediatric specialties as some of the top in the nation, including:
- No. 1 Orthopedics
- No. 3 Diabetes & Endocrinology
- No. 4 Neonatology
- No. 4 Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
- No. 4 Nephrology
- No. 4 Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
- No. 4 Urology
- No. 5 Neurology & Neurosurgery
- No. 9 Cancer
- No. 17 Cardiology & Heart Surgery
CHOP offers a wide array of pediatric specialties, ranging from rheumatology to adolescent medicine, attracting physicians, advanced practice providers and other experts in their field. A few specialties where this hospital provides expertise include:
- Developmental and Behavioral Care: Largest facility in the tri-state region offering comprehensive behavioral and developmental care.
- Immunology: Provides care for children with immune deficiencies and participation in world-leading immune research opportunities.
- Nephrology: Staffed by 25 physicians and fellows, this specialty offers superb treatment of kidney diseases through a multidisciplinary team of clinical nurse specialists, nutritionists and various allied health professionals.
- Rehabilitation Care: Provides rehabilitation services ranging from neurocognitive to musculoskeletal deficits and injuries. Also, the hospital has an 18-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit.
- Rheumatology: Provides care for children with rheumatoid and autoimmune disorders, educates pediatric rheumatology medical fellows and conducts extensive research in the field.
Other specialties include emergency, allergy, hematology, general medicine and many others to better serve the pediatric population.
Working at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
As one of the best Philadelphia children’s hospitals, CHOP offers many employment opportunities for nurses and allied healthcare professionals. According to its website, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s benefits are comprehensive and competitive, supporting flexibility, a work-life balance and financial security.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s website states, “We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where employees feel a sense of belonging, connection and community.” This commitment is evidenced by its numerous awards and multicultural professional networks. In 2021, CHOP earned a spot on Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women and America’s Best Employers for Diversity lists. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation named the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia an LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader in 2020.
Benefits and Other Perks
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia provides competitive benefits and robust health and wellness services. The following are some of its benefits and other perks:
- Medical plan options including PPO or HMO, with prescription drug coverage
- Retirement savings plans with employer match
- Well-being program through Virgin Pulse, providing financial incentives for healthier lives
- Flexible spending accounts
- Health coaching to promote a healthy lifestyle
- Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment
- Short-term and long-term disability coverage
- Voluntary Supplemental Health Insurance for accidents, critical illness and hospital indemnity
- Family/Life Planning, including fertility and adoption benefits
- Paid Paternity Leave for up to 4 weeks paid at 100%
- Education Assistance up to $5,250 for full-time employees
Nursing Programs at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
As the birthplace of pediatric nursing education, CHOP is committed to its nurses and provides opportunities for new graduates and experienced nurses alike. It’s dedicated to nursing excellence, education and research advancements. Some of the nursing programs that the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia provides include the following.
Summer Nurse Extern Program
Student nurses who graduate within the next 12 months can participate in this yearly summer program. Externs are paired with experienced nurses and rotate through various specialties and areas within the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Some areas include intensive care, behavioral health and surgical services.
Oncology Nursing Fellowship
This summer program strives to inspire pediatric nursing careers in oncology. Fellows learn oncology best practices and compassionate care through classroom training and shadowing. It’s a competitive, paid fellowship with a thorough interview process and rotating shift requirements.
Nurse Residency Program
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, this program focuses on leadership and the professional nursing role. New graduate nurses rotate through different units and may participate part-time or full-time.
Travel Nursing at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
As a top Philadelphia children’s hospital that provides unique pediatric care opportunities, CHOP attracts many travel nurses. With plenty to do, like visiting Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens or Love Park, travelers are always entertained. Consider a walk to Spruce Street Harbor Park and see its colorful lights and botanicals.
Philadelphia offers numerous travel nursing jobs and staff nursing opportunities, making salaries competitive and attractive. Travel nurse salaries averaged $2,244 per week, and staff nurse salaries averaged $37.33 per hour in late July 2023. Compare these with other facilities and locations throughout the country using Vivian’s salary tool.
Getting to Work
Commuting to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is convenient with numerous transportation options available, including by train, bus, rideshare and trolley. CHOP offers commuter coverage, reimbursing employees up to 75% of their public transportation costs. The Philadelphia Airport and AMTRAK station make traveling into town easy for travel nurses.
On-Campus and Nearby Amenities
CHOP has several on-campus amenities, like a gift shop, mailbox and ATM. It also offers personal care services, including showers, lactation rooms and laundry facilities. Enjoy the off-campus Schuylkill River Park or Philadelphia Zoo located nearby.
Contact Information
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
3401 Civic Center Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(800) 879-2467
If you’re eager to learn more about Philadelphia or its additional healthcare facilities, such as Temple University Hospital, Vivian offers many resources. Explore our job board to browse the newest healthcare opportunities today.
