Larkin Community Hospital (LCH) in South Miami, Florida is a 146-bed premier teaching hospital offering short-term acute care for the medical, surgical and psychological needs of residents in the area for over 40 years. LCH is committed to caring for South Miami residents’ health needs, with specialties in bariatric services, emergency medicine, wound healing, surgical services, psychiatric services, cardiology, dental care and occupational health, among others.
Larkin Hospital’s mission is: “To provide access to compassionate care of the highest quality in an educational environment.”
About Larkin Community Hospital
LCH is part of a full-service healthcare system that focuses on meeting the health goals of its patients across the continuum of care. Inpatient, outpatient and home-health options are available throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties, with three hospitals and countless clinics and specialty centers offering services such as hospice care, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, behavioral health, orthopedics, primary care and imaging.
Accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), LCH remains the only hospital in Miami-Dade County with an Area of Critical Need designation by the Florida Board of Medicine. This designation indicates LCH’s provision of care in a location where adequate options would otherwise be unavailable.
Larkin Community Hospital is a non-profit facility, maintaining its mission to provide care while serving the local population regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. Its employees and management teams strive to participate in charitable acts, including:
- Food drives to benefit the local community during the holiday season
- Children’s Vision Screenings at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium
- Participation in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event
LCH maintains a place at the forefront of innovation, delivering patient care with the newest technology, including Gamma Knife neurological therapies and the Zap-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery System for treating head and neck conditions. These modern advances drive costs down while increasing positive patient outcomes under otherwise challenging situations, a win-win for the medical community. The collaboration between state-of-the-art technological advancements and seasoned staff is just one of Larkin’s exceptional qualities.
Employee Satisfaction
Larkin Community Hospital, Miami welcomes new graduates and nurses wanting to work in or learn about a new field. With over 700 employees, Larkin’s commitment to continuing education shows through mentorship programs and an employee portal packed with free training units. Nurses who’ve worked at LCH describe it as a great place to build experience with friendly staff and opportunities for overtime. It’s a perfect fit for nurses looking to expand their knowledge base or mentor others as they continue their journey to become better nurses.
LCH’s nursing vision is “to improve nursing practice through empowerment and autonomy, nursing education and implementation of evidence-based nursing best practice.”
An estimated 73% of LCH employees are English/Spanish bilingual, providing a welcoming environment for patients who speak English as a second language or not at all. For those who aren’t bilingual, an interpreter service is available 24/7.
Awards & Ratings
LCH is the only hospital in south Florida to have received the Top Urban Hospital Award. Presented for demonstrating exceptional patient care with low infection rates, high survival rates following high-risk procedures, short hospital stays and few re-admissions, this recognition is a testament to the organization’s dedication to delivering the highest quality care to its patients.
In 2013 and 2014, Larkin Community Hospital received the Press Ganey Commitment to Excellence Award. Hospitals that show continuous improvement over a two-year period receive this award. Press Ganey’s recognition confirms LCH’s pledge to provide care of the highest quality.
According to the Leapfrog Group, LCH scores a top rating (known as “Achieved the Standard”) in multiple nursing-related performance measures, including:
- “Staff Work Together to Prevent Errors”
- “Support for Nursing Workforce”
- “Handwashing”
- “Responding to Never Events”
Maintaining these high-quality distinctions is indicative of LCH’s commitment to its nursing staff as well as its patients.
Nurses can enjoy confidence in their safety while on the job at LCH as the organization received the only A+ Safety Rating awarded by Leapfrog in 2021 for Miami-Dade County.
U.S. News generates rankings on hospitals across the country, according to care provided and demographics served. Larkin Community Hospital ranked highest in its provision of care to non-white and Hispanic patients. The organization strives to ensure all who need care receive it, regardless of gender, race, color, religious affiliation, financial status, disability, veteran status or national origin.
Zippia ranked LCH the No. 1 hospital to work for in South Miami, Florida, for its excellence in providing employees with:
- Job security
- Competitive pay
- A pleasant work environment
- Opportunities for advancement
- A diverse community
- Plentiful educational opportunities
Described by employees as an “Excellent place to start a career,” with an “excellent team” environment and “flexible schedules,” it’s no wonder its team members provide such outstanding care.
Advanced Education
For nurses working at LCH who wish to further their education, receiving a bachelor’s or master’s degree at the Larkin School of Nursing is a convenient option. This facility offers low tuition options and maintains an open enrollment option without a waiting list.
Located nearby and offering three levels of nursing education, including an RN to BSN program and a Master’s-level study, it’s an excellent option for those wanting to work and study in Miami. Furthermore, this institution provides the opportunity to train within the same system you work in, building your confidence and eliminating anxiety related to navigating an unfamiliar eMAR and work environment and allowing you to focus solely on your patients and education.
Excellent Pay & Benefits
Larkin Community Hospital Miami boasts competitive pay with options for medical, dental and vision benefits; discount prescriptions; life and disability insurances; and 401K. It also offers an optional legal assistance plan for interested employees and an employer-financed defined contribution pension plan for those looking toward retirement.
Moreover, nurses in Florida also reap the benefit of keeping more of their paycheck, as Florida is one of only nine U.S. states that doesn’t collect state income tax. Considering that some states charge upwards of 13%, that’s a considerable saving.
When you want to take a little time off to spend that extra cash, you’ll find that this facility’s PTO options are above average, allowing you to maintain a good work/life balance.
Another favorite benefit of many employees includes the free lunches prepared by the seasoned chefs in the cafeteria. Not only are they delicious, but the time and money saved by procuring meals at the cafeteria really adds up for employees focused on their careers and family.
Nearby Conveniences
Working in the city can come with certain challenges, but at Larkin Community Hospital, you’ll find convenient options for your commute, housing and meals. If you drive your own vehicle to work, you’ll enjoy the convenience of parking in the employee parking garage. You’ll also find that utilizing the railway system, public transportation, paid transportation and even cycling are feasible options in this thriving area.
Housing is readily available in the area, with beautiful high-rise apartments overlooking views of the beach, quaint condos near the hospital and numerous pet-friendly options. Whether you’re planning to stay long-term or opt for a shorter stay, you’ll find suitable lodging abundant.
Options for meals at or near the hospital are also abundant, with an expansive cafeteria on-site and countless bistros, sushi bars, bakeries, juice bars and restaurants within one mile of the facility.
Premier Lifestyle Options
Located in the heart of South Miami at 7031 SW 62nd Avenue, Larkin Community Hospital offers proximity to entertainment, relaxation, tourism and fun activities. The hospital is less than 30 minutes from the gorgeous southern Florida beaches, where you can soak up some sun on your days off. Enjoy an airboat ride through the Everglades, take a day cruise, have an animal encounter at Zoo Miami or check out the amazing art scene in Little Havana.
South Miami is also noted for its happening nightlife with everything from dance clubs to dive bars for LCH employees looking for fun with friends. Foodies can take comfort in the area’s many culinary delights, including 10 Michelin-starred restaurants. The city also offers endless opportunities to connect with others within your religious belief system for those needing some spiritual renewal after a particularly tough shift.
Larkin Community Hospital in South Miami offers so many personal and professional opportunities that it’s easy to see why it draws so many healthcare professionals. If you’re looking for your next healthcare job in South Miami, Larkin Community Hospital is an employer worth considering.