Mapping a Strategy for Success: A Case Study in Nursing Engagement as a Strategic Imperative at a Comprehensive Stroke Center

Rush University Medical Center (Rush) is nationally recognized as a neurosciences center of excellence. The neuroscience programs at Rush offer treatment options for a broad and comprehensive spectrum of complex neurological diseases. Rush's significant investment and programs of clinical distinction in neurology and neurosurgery (collectively referred to as “neurosciences”) did not occur without a significant long-term strategic plan and organizational investment. Rush University Medical Center is a 700-bed academic medical center, located in the urban downtown area of Chicago, Illinois. Rush first achieved Magnet designation (American Nurses Credentialing Center) in 2002, and most recently achieved the fourth designation in 2016. Rush has a long history of caring for highly complex patients, and stakeholders throughout the organization were intent on leveraging Rush's established strengths to aid in the development of a neurosciences center of excellence. Toward this end, several tactics emerged—including plans to invest significantly in technology, infrastructure, physician resources, marketing and outreach, and business development (Table 1).