2026 State of the System
Ready for What's Next
Big-hearted care. Bold moves for kids.
Phoenix Children's is entering its next chapter with a clear vision, a strong foundation and an unwavering commitment to children and families.
Over his first 100 days, President and CEO John Nickens traveled across campuses, listened to team members and engaged with the people who know Phoenix Children's best. What he discovered confirmed something powerful: this organization is ready for the next level.
Today, Phoenix Children's is expanding access, advancing discovery, strengthening the systems behind exceptional care and building the future of pediatric healthcare across Arizona
The Foundation for What's Next
Every great plan begins with listening.
Through conversations with physicians, nurses, team members, donors and community partners across the organization, John Nickens gained insight into the strengths, opportunities and future potential of Phoenix Children's. Those conversations helped shape the priorities that will guide the organization into its next chapter.
Watch John reflect on what he learned, the opportunities he sees ahead and why he believes Phoenix Children's is ready for what's next.
Caring For Children Today
Delivering Exceptional Care for the Children Who Depend on Us
Every day, children and families place their trust in Phoenix Children's during some of life's most important moments.
That trust is earned through exceptional care, leading clinical expertise and a commitment to treating the whole family with compassion, dignity and respect.
Across the health system, caregivers create healing moments and hope through their skill, dedication and unwavering focus on the children they serve.
Watch John share a story from his first week at Phoenix Children's that perfectly captures what makes this organization so special.
Why Families Trust Phoenix Children's
Exceptional care is built on expertise, compassion and a commitment to showing up for children and families when they need us most. Every day, Phoenix Children's teams create healing moments and hope while delivering nationally recognized care close to home.
15 years
U.S. News Best Children’s Hospital
No. 1
Pediatric Care in Arizona
6
Nationally Ranked Specialties
Advancing Discovery
Driving the Next Breakthroughs in Pediatric Medicine
The future of pediatric healthcare depends on innovation, research and discovery.
Phoenix Children's continues to expand its research enterprise, strengthen academic partnerships and invest in the people and technologies that will shape the next generation of care.
These efforts help accelerate breakthroughs, improve outcomes and create new possibilities for children and families throughout Arizona and beyond.
Watch John discuss why research, education and innovation are essential to improving the health of a generation.
How Discovery Happens
Research & Innovation
Advancing discoveries that improve how children are diagnosed, treated and cared for.
Transforming pediatric care through research
Academic Partnerships
Collaborating with leading institutions to accelerate research, innovation and learning.
Advancing discovery through partnership
Training the Next Generation
Preparing future physicians, nurses and healthcare leaders through education and hands-on experience.
Developing tomorrow's pediatric experts
Expanding Our Reach
Bringing Expert Pediatric Care Closer to More Children and Families
"It is our commitment to say yes to kids."
Access to expert pediatric care can change the course of a child's life.
Over the past several years, Phoenix Children's has expanded hospitals, clinics, specialty services and emergency care locations across the Valley, bringing care closer to where families live and work.
The opportunity ahead is even greater. Phoenix Children's is committed to increasing access across Arizona and helping more children receive the specialized care they need, regardless of geography.
Access means more than geography. It means being there for families through everyday moments, unexpected challenges and every stage of childhood.
Watch John share his vision for expanding access and ensuring more children and families can benefit from the expertise of Phoenix Children's.
Arrowhead Campus
Expanding access for West Valley families
Critical Care Transport
Bringing expert care when every minute matters
Behavioral Health Access
Supporting children and families 24/7
East Valley Campus
Meeting families where they are
Rural Outreach
Extending pediatric expertise across Arizona
Statewide Growth
Growing from hospital to health system
Strengthening
The System
Behind The Care
Strengthening
The System
Behind The Care
Investing in the Foundation That Makes Exceptional Care Possible
Exceptional care depends on more than what happens at the bedside.
Behind every patient experience is a network of people, partnerships and systems working together to support caregivers, strengthen operations and prepare Phoenix Children's for the future.
From workforce development and academic partnerships to technology investments and operational excellence,
Phoenix Children's is investing in the people, culture and systems that support exceptional care today while preparing for the future.
Watch John reflect on the culture, teamwork and commitment that help make exceptional care possible at Phoenix Children's.
What Excellence Requires
Exceptional People
Investing in physicians, nurses, researchers and team members through market-leading compensation, professional development and a culture that supports excellence.
Exceptional Care
Advancing quality, safety and clinical excellence while pursuing Magnet designation and preparing the next generation of pediatric healthcare leaders.
Exceptional Operations
Investing in technology, infrastructure and operational excellence, including the implementation of Workday, to support future growth and improve the experience of patients, families and team members.
What Comes Next
Ready for the Next Level
The decisions being made today will help shape the future of Phoenix Children's for years to come.
As the organization continues to grow, the focus remains clear: expanding access, advancing discovery, strengthening care delivery and investing in the people who make exceptional care possible.
These priorities are not simply about growth. They are about creating a stronger future for children and families throughout Arizona.
Watch John share his vision for the opportunities ahead and the work that will help Phoenix Children's continue improving the health of a generation.
Priorities
Expand Access Across Arizona
Advance Discovery, Innovation and Education
Strengthen the Foundation for Excellence
Achieve Magnet Excellence
Ready for What's Next
Phoenix Children's is entering a new chapter grounded in purpose, strengthened by its people and focused on the future.
Together, we will continue creating healing moments and hope while advancing our vision to improve the health of a generation.
"We are absolutely confident that we can and we will improve the health of a generation."
All In for Kids.
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