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CENTER for Nursing Excellence
Who We Are
The Center for Nursing Excellence advances UCLA Health’s mission to heal humankind by strengthening nursing practice across all clinical settings. Guided by evidence, discovery, and an unwavering commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care, the Center supports nurses in expanding their expertise, enhancing clinical judgment, and contributing to systemwide improvements in safety, quality, and the patient experience.
We serve as a professional home for nursing education, clinical inquiry, competency development, and practice advancement—ensuring nurses are empowered to deliver care that is safe, cost-effective, evidence-informed, and grounded in integrity, respect, and kindness. Through collaboration, mentorship, and shared governance, the Center helps elevate nursing practice within the three major spheres of influence: patients and families, nurses and nursing practice, and the organization and health system.
Our Executive Leadership
Dr. Jessica Phillips provides visionary leadership that advances nursing practice, professional development, and clinical excellence throughout UCLA Health. She cultivates structures that promote evidence-based decision‑making, clinician empowerment, and innovation across all care environments.
Jessica's leadership reflects UCLA Health’s values of compassion, discovery, respect, teamwork, integrity, and excellence, ensuring nurses have the support, mentorship, and resources needed to deliver high‑quality, reliable, and patient‑centered care. Through partnership with clinical, educational, and operational teams, she inspires nurses to elevate their practice and strengthens the organization’s culture of healing, inquiry, and professional growth.
“At the Center for Nursing Excellence, we build a supportive culture where professional development and engagement are paramount. Our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of nursing practice. We invest in patient-centered care, professional growth, clinical inquiry, and innovation to create a superior work environment. Our legacy of excellence is recognized through the high-quality care we provide, outstanding patient experiences, empowered nurse engagement, shared decision-making, and our long-standing Magnet® recognition.”
- Jessica M. Phillips, PhD, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC
Executive Director, Nursing Practice, Education, and Research,
Magnet® Program Director
Our Pillars of Excellence
At UCLA Health, we lead with purpose, compassion, and excellence. The Center for Nursing Excellence Pillars guide who we are as nurses and how we fulfill our mission to heal humankind. These pillars reflect our commitment to the American Nurses Association standards, the Magnet® Model, and the values that define UCLA Health.
Together, we advance discovery, elevate clinical practice, strengthen care quality, and support the lifelong growth of every nurse within our organization.
Magnet® Pillar
Discover how our commitment to excellence in nursing practice shapes world-class care—and meet the experts who lead our Magnet® journey.
Nursing Practice Pillar
Our expert clinicians—Clinical Nurse Specialists, Advanced Practice Specialists, and Clinical Nurse III nurses—work together to elevate care quality, strengthen practice standards, and ensure that every patient receives safe, evidence-based, and compassionate care.
Nursing Professional Development Pillar
We cultivate a highly skilled, future-ready nursing workforce through systemwide education and population-specific learning that deepen clinical expertise and support compassionate, evidence-based care.
Research, Evidence-Based Practice & Innovation Pillar
We advance nursing science through inquiry, evidence, and innovation—turning knowledge into better care for every patient.
Contact Us
UCLA Health Center for Nursing Excellence
924 Westwood Blvd., Suite 720
Los Angeles, California 90024
Phone: 310-267-3317
Email: [email protected]