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Nestled in the heart of the southeastern United States, Atlanta finds its home in the Deep South, gracefully positioned amid the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The distinctive terrain in this area provides some exceptional characteristics within the city, most notably its status as the U.S. city with the densest urban tree canopy.
Atlanta, Georgia’s history is robust and holds profound national significance. The city was founded and rapidly grew due to becoming a vital convergence point among several railroads. Atlanta was strategically important in the Civil War and later became a major organizing center for the Civil Rights movement of the 50s and 60s. Today, Atlanta, Georgia, is known for its hip-hop culture and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the busiest airport in the world since 1998 (except for 2000). Today, Atlanta’s healthcare sector is a driving economic force, and its hospitals are top employers.
With a steadily rising population of just over 499,000 in 2022, per the U.S. Census Bureau, there’s no shortage of need for healthcare workers. When including the metropolitan Atlanta area, the population surpasses 6.1 million, ensuring ample opportunities to discover nursing jobs tailored to your specialization. Whether you’re seeking a staff nursing role in Atlanta or an Atlanta, GA travel nurse job, you’ll find one here.
Spotlight on 10 Top Hospitals in Atlanta
We compiled a list of some fantastic hospitals in Atlanta and nearby areas. These hospitals stand out for their specialties and the excellent care they provide to patients. This list isn’t about ranking the top 10 hospitals in Atlanta. It’s about giving you an idea of the healthcare career options available in the city. We gathered information from employee reviews, hospital websites and the 2023-24 rankings by U.S. News & World Report to create this comprehensive overview of the hospitals in Atlanta for your consideration.
1. Emory University Hospital
Photo Credit: Emory University, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
As the No. 1 hospital in Georgia, this short-term acute care facility is a teaching facility, verified by Vivian users to have a 1:2 patient ratio and 646 beds. It utilizes the EPIC system. Located in Midtown Atlanta, in the Clifton Corridor, Emory University Hospital is part of Emory Healthcare.
The hospital has received a high ranking for its performance in four adult specialties, 18 procedures and conditions and has earned national recognition in the following five adult specialties:
- No. 36 Urology
- No. 41 Geriatrics
- No. 45 Cancer
- No. 46 Neurology & Neurosurgery
- No. 50 Obstetrics & Gynecology (Emory Decatur Hospital)
Since 2014, Emory University Hospital has earned and maintained Magnet recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for its superiority in patient care and nursing excellence.
2. Northside Hospital Atlanta
Photo Credit: Neal Horstmeyer, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Northside Hospital Atlanta, located in Sandy Springs, opened its doors in 1970 and stands as the flagship hospital of the Northside Healthcare System. Since beginning as a 250-bed facility, the hospital has grown significantly, boasting 621 beds, a medical staff of 2,300 physicians and a dedicated workforce of over 11,000 employees.
This hospital has earned the notable regional rank of No. 4 in Georgia. It earned high ratings for its performance in two adult specialties and 15 procedures and conditions, functioning as a versatile general medical and surgical facility. Along with its commendable rankings, it’s received the following awards and accolades:
- Outstanding Patient Experience Award (2021)
- Coronary Intervention Excellence Award (2023, 2021)
- Pulmonary Hypertension Care Center, Sole Georgia provider acknowledged for this and endorsed by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association
- The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval in:
- Acute Myocardial Infarction
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Joint Replacement – Hip
- Joint Replacement – Knee
- Lung Cancer
- Pneumonia
- Advanced Primary Stroke Center
3. Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
Situated in the vibrant Buckhead neighborhood, Piedmont Atlanta Hospital is a private, not-for-profit healthcare institution with a team of over 1,000 seasoned physicians and 4,000 dedicated healthcare professionals. According to its website, the hospital is committed to providing round-the-clock emergency services and a comprehensive range of medical, surgical and diagnostic care. Making it the perfect facility for travel nurses looking to expand their careers in emergency room nursing.
Regionally ranked as the No. 3 hospital in Georgia, this 643-bed facility rated high-performing in three adult specialties and 17 procedures and conditions.
4. Grady Memorial Hospital
Photo Credit: Pbrks, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
One of the largest hospitals in the state of Georgia, Grady Memorial Hospital is located in the southern part of downtown Atlanta, in the neighborhood known as Sweet Auburn. It’s a public teaching hospital, rated high-performing in eight adult procedures and conditions. A review from one Vivian user describes it as “Travel friendly. Great OR staff. Tons to do and learn. Level 1 trauma and teaching hospital.”
Grady opened in 1892 and continues to evolve with the changing healthcare dynamic of the community. As its goals change to accommodate the community, it holds steadfast in the following values:
- Be Patient-Centered
- Be Safe
- Serve Others With Excellence
- Do Right
- Do Good
5. WellStar Kennestone Hospital
Regionally ranked as the No. 7 hospital in Georgia, WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, GA, is about 20 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta. As a short-term, public teaching hospital and acute care facility, it has a level two trauma center and 633 beds. It’s rated high performing in 14 adult specialties and procedures.
On its website, it shares earning the following awards and accolades:
- PRISM Award: Recognized for exemplary medical-surgical ward practices by the Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses
- HealthGrades 100 Best Hospitals: Ranked among the top hospitals in Critical Care for 2022
6. Shepherd Center
Nationally ranked No. 12 as the best facility to receive rehabilitation, the Shepherd Center is a 128-bed, private, not-for-profit hospital. According to its website, it specializes in providing medical care, conducting research and offering rehabilitation services to individuals dealing with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, strokes, multiple sclerosis, spinal conditions, chronic pain and various neuromuscular conditions.
Shepherd Center has received prestigious healthcare awards for its commitment to patient-centered care, exceptional outcomes and fostering an environment for staff to advance innovative techniques in rehabilitation. Some of those accolades include:
- Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities
- Recognized for high marks on the Disability Equality Index, demonstrating a commitment to disability inclusion
- Listed among Georgia’s best employers in Forbes’ annual rankings of America’s Best Employers by State
- Designated as a Spinal Cord Injury Model System and Traumatic Brain Injury Model System hospital
- Winner of the Patient Safety and Quality Award (for a project that significantly reduced pressure ulcers among its patient population by addressing improper footwear)
7. Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital
Rated as the No. 2 hospital in Georgia, Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital rated high-performing in 18 procedures and conditions and the following five specialties:
- Diabetes & Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
- Geriatrics
- Orthopedics
- Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
It’s a short-term acute care, general medical facility housing 344 beds with a patient ratio of 1:5 verified by several Vivian users. One operating room circulating nurse on Vivian described the facility as “Travel friendly. Older facility. Tons of general, gyn and robotics. Good staff.” Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital has been acknowledged for its excellence in nursing as a Magnet Facility.
8. Peachford Hospital
Peachford Hospital offers psychiatric care, mental health and addictions services in the northern Dunwoody suburb of Atlanta, approximately 15 to 20 miles from downtown. According to its website, the Peachford Hospital provides a tranquil environment conducive to healing and contemplation. The facility offers ample room for group therapy sessions and recreational activities, supporting individuals of all ages in their journey to address mental health challenges.
Peachford Hospital has earned accreditation from the Joint Commission, showing its commitment to meeting high standards of care and performance. If you’re a psychiatric nurse looking for a fulfilling career, this facility is worth checking out.
9. DeKalb Medical LTAC Downtown Decatur
On September 1, 2018, DeKalb Medical formally joined the Emory Healthcare system. As a result of this integration, DeKalb Medical Long-Term Acute Care in Downtown Decatur rebranded as Emory Long-Term Acute Care. Located in Decatur, a suburb of Atlanta, it’s approximately 7 miles east of downtown.
Emory Long-Term Acute Care has achieved several significant certifications, including:
- First in the nation to earn Joint Commission Gold Seal certification for ventilator-dependent patients with respiratory failure
- First Georgia hospital to earn Joint Commission Gold Seal certification for wound care
- Joint Commission Gold Seal certification for treating acquired brain injuries
10. Atlanta VA Medical Center
A 285-bed general medical facility, Atlanta VA Medical Center extends a comprehensive array of health, support and facility services to Veterans residing in northeast Georgia. Located roughly 7 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta in the suburb of Decatur, it offers services in primary care, mental health care and specialty care. The medical center also provides the following social programs and services:
- Caregiver Support
- Homeless Veteran Care
- LGBTQ+ Veteran Care
- Minority Veteran Care
- Patient Advocates
- Registry Exams
- Returning Service Member Care
Atlanta presents an enticing destination for healthcare professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in their healthcare careers. Learn more about living in Atlanta, GA, in our healthcare employment location guide.
