Safe Staffing, Excellent Care: MyMichigan Medical Center Alma’s Success Story

MyMichigan Medical Center Alma is setting a benchmark in the health care industry by demonstrating that quality care starts with safe staffing. By prioritizing a well-supported nursing workforce, the Medical Center not only meets but surpasses national standards, establishing itself as a leader in patient care.

“The relationship between quality care and safe staffing is foundational in ensuring positive patient outcomes and an effective health care system,” said Marissa Palmer, R.N., chief nursing officer, MyMichigan Health. “Adequate staffing levels are crucial for patient safety, workload management, and maintaining high quality care standards. By investing in safe staffing, we can achieve cost-effectiveness by reducing errors, minimizing turnover, and improving patient outcomes.”

At the heart of MyMichigan Medical Center Alma’s success is its commitment to safe staffing ratios. This ensures that every patient receives the focused attention they need. The hospital has consistently earned full points in the Leapfrog survey for nursing care hours when compared to other teaching institutions. In fact, it is these efforts, among others, that have helped the Medical Center achieve its fourth consecutive “A” grade from the Leapfrog Group, which was announced earlier this month.

In addition, the National Database for Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI) has consistently ranked the nursing care hours at the Medical Center in Alma above MyMichigan’s internal goal to exceed national median benchmarks over the past two years. And, in 2025, MyMichigan Medical Center Alma exceeded its target by ranking in the top quartile for patient experience in eight out of out of twelve months, surpassing its goal of achieving this measure for six months.

“Success at creating an excellent patient experience is more than a list of honors, scores and awards, the recognition is just a small part of the big picture of quality efforts that never stop,” said Glenn King, R.N., vice president of nursing, MyMichigan Medical Centers in Alma, Clare and Mt. Pleasant. “Whether it is new treatments, procedures, or recalibrating our efforts in identified areas of weakness, we’re making continuous improvements in procedures and processes so we can always be as safe and effective as possible. Staffing consistently ranks as a top priority.”

To help ensure safe staffing, the Medical Center incorporates several innovative staffing protocols. At the forefront is employing patient-to-nurse staffing assignments that meet or exceed national standards. This approach is extended to new sites, which are on track to implement these protocols thanks to significant investments in the nursing workforce. A robust system-wide professional practice model and unit-based RN-led practice councils guide nursing decisions, fostering a collaborative and empowered work environment.

Proactive solutions and nurse retention are also a priority. “To manage unpredictable patient volume and staff absences, MyMichigan Medical Center Alma implements proactive measures such as workload realignment, staff redeployment, and utilizing on-call shifts,” said Mike Bruzewski, director of employee and relations, MyMichigan Health. “These strategies ensure that staffing standards are consistently maintained, allowing for the highest quality of patient care.”

Leading by example, MyMichigan Medical Center Alma’s success in achieving safe staffing exemplifies how strategic workforce planning, continuous education, flexible staffing models, and a supportive work environment can lead to exceptional patient care.

“Our focus has and will continue to be maintaining excellent patient care through safe staffing,” concluded Palmer. “This commitment is not just for our patients, but also creates a happy and successful place for our staff to work. Having a strong nursing team is essential for providing great health care.”