Lurie Children's Nurse, Huong Mai, Named 2025 Magnet Nurse of the Year - Empirical Outcomes by ANCC

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago proudly announces that Huong Mai, BSN, RN, CPN, has been named the 2025 Magnet® Nurse of the Year- Empirical Outcomes, a national recognition awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This prestigious honor celebrates clinical nurses who demonstrate outstanding contributions to nursing practice, patient care, and clinical outcomes in Magnet-designated organizations. Mai was presented with her award today at ANCC’s Magnet & Pathway Conference™ in Atlanta.  

A clinical nurse on the acute care team, Mai exemplifies what it means to be an engaged nursing professional committed to advancing patient care through clinical inquiry and evidence-based practice. Her work reflects the core of a thriving nursing professional practice environment, where empirical outcomes drive excellence.

In response to a decline in patient satisfaction related to interdisciplinary communication, Mai spearheaded an interprofessional initiative in 2022 aimed at improving communication between registered nurses and physicians. Applying quality improvement methodology, Mai led a team to design and implement standardized communication structures, resulting in a sustained increase in patient satisfaction—from a pre-intervention average of 53.6 percent to a post-intervention average of 80.8 percent. Additionally, teamwork perception among staff improved significantly, with nurses reporting a 27 percent increase and medical residents a 13 percent increase.

“Huong’s work is a shining example of the power of clinical inquiry to transform care,” said Brian Stahulak, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, Senior Vice President, Chief Clinical Officer & Chief Nursing Officer and Fred Love Krehbiel Chair in Nursing Excellence. “Her leadership, curiosity, and relentless focus on outcomes have not only improved the patient and family experience but have also empowered her colleagues to engage in practice change. We are proud to see her recognized on the national stage as the Magnet Nurse of the Year- Empirical Outcomes.”

Beyond her quality improvement initiatives, Mai has actively contributed to the nursing body of knowledge through national conference presentations and peer-reviewed publication. She also plays a pivotal role in mentoring fellow nurses and guiding an evidence-based practice project focused on improving nurse well-being.

Her work continues to be scaled across the organization, demonstrating a sustained impact on both clinical outcomes and professional practice at Lurie Children’s.

About Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago

Lurie Children's employs more than 2,200 nurses, including over 400 Advanced Practice Providers. Nurses at Lurie Children's are committed to providing the highest standard of care based on the knowledge that children are constantly changing individuals who should be encouraged to reach their maximum potential growth and development.  Lurie Children’s has been awarded a Magnet® designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program® for excellence in nursing services six times. Lurie Children’s is the first hospital in Illinois and the first free-standing pediatric hospital in the United States to reach this milestone. Click here to learn more about nursing at Lurie Children’s.

Lurie Children’s is a nonprofit organization committed to providing access to exceptional care for every child. It is the only independent, research-driven children’s hospital in Illinois and one of less than 30 nationally. Lurie Children’s is the pediatric training ground for Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. It is ranked as one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

About American Nurses Credentialing Center 

The American Nurses Credentialing Center partners with the nation’s largest group of healthcare professionals to uphold the highest standards of nursing excellence. With a comprehensive suite of individual certifications and organizational accreditation programs designed to foster research, innovation, career growth, and leadership development, the credentialing center equips nurses to achieve safer, patient-centric outcomes both nationally and internationally. Committed to harnessing  The Power of Nurses™ to elevate care standards worldwide, the credentialing center continuously sets the benchmarks that support excellence in every facet of nursing practice.