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Imagine yourself strolling along the National Mall, breathing in the scent of fresh cherry blossoms as you head to a nearby historic site or one of the museums operated by the Smithsonian Institution. You can turn this dream into reality by getting a job at one of the 15 hospitals in Washington, D.C., or the surrounding area. One option is George Washington University Hospital (GWUH), an academic medical center with state-of-the-art technology and some of the top healthcare professionals in the region. Learn what makes GWUH one of the great healthcare employers in Washington, D.C., in this spotlight.
Facility Background
George Washington University Hospital started as Columbia College in 1861, and it wasn’t until 2002 that it started operating under its current name. According to its website, the 395-bed hospital has 2,600 employees and serves approximately 450,000 people each year. Because of GWUH’s affiliation with The George Washington University School of Nursing, it’s a popular site for nursing students to complete their clinical rotations. Universal Health Services, a company based in Pennsylvania, operates GWUH as a private, for-profit medical facility.
Mission, Vision and Principles
GWUH aims to provide world-class service, advanced technology and the highest quality healthcare to every patient. The hospital’s vision builds on this mission statement, promising patients and their loved ones that GWUH physicians and staff are dedicated to healing, improving lives and discovering medical breakthroughs. As part of its effort to provide world-class service, George Washington University Hospital uses the following principles to guide every aspect of its operations:
- Employee development
- Ethical and fair treatment
- Quality improvement
- Service excellence
- Teamwork, compassion and innovation
Awards, Honors and Accreditations
GWUH has a strong reputation throughout the District of Columbia. The hospital has full accreditation from the Joint Commission and received the highly coveted Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval in 2023. Earning this designation shows that a facility has systems and processes in place to achieve the following:
- Responding appropriately to emergency situations
- Protecting patients from hospital-acquired infections
- Providing a safe care environment
- Respecting the rights of each patient
- Educating patients about their diagnosis and treatment options, including potential risks
In 2022, Leapfrog gave George Washington University Hospital a B rating for patient safety, assigning high scores in preventing and responding to patient harm, maternity care and critical care. Leapfrog is the only scoring system focused solely on hospital safety instead of assessing several factors. In 2020, the facility was also selected as the best hospital in Washington, D.C., by readers of Washington Parent Magazine.
GWUH has also received the following awards, honors and accreditations:
- Accreditation from the Commission on Cancer
- Blue Distinction Center in Bariatric Surgery
- American College of Cardiology NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award
- U.S. News & World Report High-Performing Hospital in cardiology, kidney health, neurology and neurosurgery, lung cancer and OB/GYN
- Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology
- Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology Center of Excellence
- Aetna Institute of Quality Orthopedic Care Facility
- Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center
Top Specialties at George Washington University Hospital
As an academic medical center, GWUH is known for providing high-quality specialty care. Its jobs in Washington, D.C. offer registered nurses (RNs) the opportunity to excel in many top nursing specialties, such as the following.
Cancer Care
The GWUH Cancer Center operates programs designed to promote early detection, develop effective treatment plans and support patients with cancer diagnoses. Designed with a spa-like interior to put patients at ease, the Comprehensive Breast Center uses technologies that aren’t available at any other medical facility in the Washington, D.C. metro area. The Radiation Oncology Center provides personalized cancer care designed to minimize the amount of radiation needed for effective treatment. GWUH also employs leading cancer researchers and offers innovative care for HPV-positive patients.
Cardiac Care
In 2022, U.S. News & World Report recognized George Washington University Hospital as a high-performing hospital in heart attack and heart failure treatment. GWUH performed especially well in the nursing care category for heart attack care, indicating that it provides more nursing care per patient than the average healthcare facility. The hospital did exceptionally well on its heart failure scorecard, earning “excellent” ratings in nurse staffing, survival within 30 days of discharge, and discharging patients directly to their homes. George Washington University Hospital is also one of the few hospitals in the area to offer cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.
Gastroenterology
The Digestive Disorder Center is home to some of the top gastroenterology specialists in the nation, giving patients access to advanced care for Barrett’s esophagus, biliary tract disease, liver disease, pancreatitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Advanced endoscopic equipment allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures and diagnose disorders affecting any part of the digestive tract. Available procedures include high-resolution esophageal manometry, radiofrequency ablation, endoscopic ultrasound and choledochoscopy.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
The hospital has a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, giving newborns access to neonatal resuscitation services, sustained life support, pediatric surgical specialists and advanced respiratory support. The George Washington University Hospital Women’s Center provides expert care for patients who are pregnant or trying to conceive, including fertility services, in vitro fertilization, midwifery services, childbirth classes and parenting classes.
Trauma and Critical Care
GWUH provides trauma and critical care services to local residents and patients from up to 80 miles away. The facility sits just a few blocks from the White House and other key government facilities, making its trauma surgeons and other healthcare professionals uniquely positioned to provide care to heads of state, ambassadors and other individuals visiting Washington on business. George Washington University Hospital is one of only four D.C. hospitals classified as a Level I Trauma Center, providing trauma surgeons and other trained personnel 24/7.
Wound Care
GWUH is home to the Wound Healing and Limb Preservation Center, which uses advanced treatment options to relieve pain and improve mobility in people with acute and chronic wounds. The center’s physicians and other healthcare professionals are dedicated to helping patients avoid limb amputations, disfigurement and other negative outcomes. They take the time to get to know each patient, ensuring they understand how each person’s lifestyle and home environment may impact the success of their treatment.
Working at GWUH
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
George Washington University Hospital created a framework called Every Moment Matters to ensure the hospital is a safe, inclusive environment for patients, employees and visitors. As part of this framework, the facility has a Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council (DIAC) reporting directly to the chief executive officer. DIAC members help ensure every employee has a voice, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, age or sexual orientation.
Nursing Programs
GWUH’s status as an academic medical center makes it an excellent place for nursing students and experienced RNs alike to refine their clinical skills and explore multiple specialties. The Nursing Scholars Program provides financial assistance to licensed RNs who work at GWUH while completing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) requirements at The George Washington University School of Nursing. For RNs with an associate degree in nursing, the hospital covers 100% of the cost of completing a 15-month accelerated BSN program. Veterans who enroll in the Veteran Bachelor of Nursing program qualify for 50% tuition assistance. Participants must commit to working for George Washington University Hospital for 3 years.
GWUH also offers a competitive externship program for nursing students entering their senior year. The 10-week program gives participants access to hands-on instruction and mentoring from experienced RNs, increasing their confidence before they complete their education and enter the workforce. Externs who receive positive evaluations may even qualify for staff nursing jobs in Washington, D.C., at GWUH when they graduate.
Benefits and Perks
George Washington University Hospital offers competitive salaries for nurses, certification reimbursement, an annual certification bonus and shift differentials for night, evening and weekend work. All benefits-eligible employees have access to their choice of four medical plans, two dental plans and a vision service plan. GWUH also offers the following benefits:
- Life insurance
- Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
- Personal accident insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability coverage
- Retirement savings plan
- Paid time off
- Extended leave bank
- Commuter benefits
- Employee stock purchase plan
On-Campus and Nearby Amenities
GWUH offers a highly-desirable location for travel nursing jobs in Washington, D.C., as it sits less than 3 miles from the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, the National Gallery of Art and dozens of other museums and historic sites. The Residence Inn by Marriott Washington, The River Inn and Melrose Georgetown are also nearby, giving you plenty of options if you need a place to stay during a short-term contract.
The hospital has multiple dining options, including vending machines, Starbucks, Subway and a cafeteria that’s open every day of the week. If you’d rather grab a bite off-campus, the neighborhood is home to everything from small burger joints to fine dining establishments. For example, a short walk takes you to Founding Farmers, a restaurant that churns its own ice cream and serves scratch-made favorites to diners sitting in silo-shaped booths.
Getting to Work
Living in Washington, D.C., includes unique parking programs to mitigate congestion. Due to its location, GWUH has limited metered parking. Employees who drive to the hospital must pay to park in a nearby garage. Since garage parking is expensive, many employees choose to take public transportation.
Fortunately, Washington, D.C., has one of the best-connected public transportation systems in the nation. Hospital employees have several options, including the Metrobus, Metrorail and DC Circulator. Some commuter buses from Maryland and Virginia also include GWUH on their routes.
Contact Information
George Washington University Hospital
900 23rd Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20037
(202) 715-4000
