Ascension’s mission to serve all people, with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable, defines the system’s values-driven workplace culture, where healthcare is viewed as a calling rather than simply a profession. In fiscal year 2025, Ascension introduced a renewed vision centered on bringing health, healing and hope to all, strengthening a shared sense of purpose across nearly 97,000 associates nationwide. The organization invests heavily in associate wellbeing through comprehensive benefits, mental health resources and systemwide programs such as the myCare wellness platform, which recorded more than 86,000 visits in fiscal year 2025. Professional growth is supported through the Center for Career Advancement and the redesigned Vocare tuition program, which has enrolled more than 3,600 associates and has improved perceptions of the system as an employer. Leadership and clinical development programs, including nurse preceptor expansion and physician wellbeing initiatives, have driven measurable improvements in retention and engagement. In 2025, 72% of associates participated in the “associate experience survey,” with results exceeding national healthcare benchmarks and nursing retention showing sustained improvement. The system has earned recognition from Forbes and the American Medical Association thanks to its deeply human-centered culture.
