Nursing Division
Kim Slusser, MSN, RN
Chief Nursing Officer ad interim
MD Anderson’s nursing community transforms nursing care through clinical practice, education and research. Each day, more than 5,000 registered nurses deliver compassionate, evidence-based cancer care to patients and their families.
Nurses in all areas of MD Anderson are integral members of interdisciplinary teams that are leading the way in setting standards for innovative cancer care, including advances in immunotherapy and personalized medicine. With one of the largest clinical trial programs in the world, MD Anderson offers a collaborative environment that empowers nurses to lead in the administration of research therapies and the required ongoing monitoring. As treatments become more complex, our nurses continue to develop and implement new discoveries.
Our nurses demonstrate excellence in a variety of areas and roles, including in our hospital and ambulatory care settings in the Texas Medical Center and Houston-area locations. We have a high number of nurses who maintain certifications to provide specialty care to patients of all ages. We have bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate-prepared practitioners and leaders across all academic, educational, administrative and research programs.
Since 2001, MD Anderson has earned five consecutive Magnet Recognition Program® designations from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which recognizes health care organizations for superior patient outcomes, teamwork and innovations in professional nursing practice.
This designation is one of the reasons MD Anderson is consistently ranked among the nation’s top hospitals for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” survey.
Nursing by the Numbers
5000+
registered nurses
87%
of nurses earned bachelor degrees or higher
64%
specialty certification rate
Nursing Professional Practice Model
MD Anderson's Nursing Professional Practice Model (PPM) represents how key elements of professional nursing practice at MD Anderson connect to each other. The PPM is based on The Quality-Caring model, developed by Joanne Duffy, Ph.D., RN, FAAN. All PPM components operate within the context of MD Anderson's Core Values of Caring, Integrity, Safety, Discovery and Stewardship.
Developed by frontline nurses, the PPM includes open hand imagery, which is a universal sign of caring, and colors that reflect the breadth of caregivers and patients at MD Anderson.
Why Nurses Choose MD Anderson
Tiambe Kuykendall on how MD Anderson is a family
Sarah Lee on educational, growth opportunities
Nursing Division Annual Report FY24: Elevating Nursing Excellence
A message from the Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer:
One of the year’s most exciting accomplishments was the launch of the Meyers Institute for Oncology Nursing in November 2023. With generous contributions from donor Howard Meyers and other philanthropic supporters, MD Anderson has invested $50 million toward this pioneering institute. The Meyers Institute builds on the foundation established by our Nursing Transformation, advancing research, education and clinical practice to directly impact patient care. This institute is poised to transform the future of oncology nursing and serves as a testament to our ongoing commitment to fostering growth, excellence and aspirations within our nursing team, while influencing oncology care globally.
We are also making significant progress toward achieving a sixth Magnet Recognition Program designation. This distinction, achieved by only 2% of Magnet hospitals, highlights our commitment to the highest standards of nursing excellence and the exceptional outcomes achieved by our teams every day. To support this effort, hundreds of nurses and collaborators are contributing to our Magnet application, while over 240 Magnet ambassadors across MD Anderson are engaging teams to promote learning and enculturation of Magnet standards. It’s truly a collective effort.
In the following pages, you will discover the remarkable achievements and ongoing initiatives that reflect our vision for the future. Together, we are ensuring that our nursing community is well-prepared to lead in the ever-evolving field of oncology care.
Nursing Division Annual Report FY23: Transforming Together
DAISY Award
The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. As a proud DAISY Award
Partner, MD Anderson has recognized more than 150 deserving inpatient and outpatient nurses since 2012. In addition, The DAISY Foundation has provided several grants to support our registered nurses who continually seek lifelong learning and explore best and evidence-based practices through research and innovation. DAISY honorees are nominated by their peers, physicians, patients and families, and other staff and administrators. To nominate a nurse, please complete a DAISY Award Nomination Form.
Nurses on the Front Line
