Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital Sets Standard for Pediatric Care

The University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital has consistently demonstrated excellence in pediatric care, earning top rankings in the 2025-26 U.S. News and World Report as the number 1 hospital in Iowa and the number 12 hospital in the Midwest. This achievement reflects the hospital's commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate, and innovative care to children and their families. With its state-of-the-art facilities, including a Level 4 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, Stead Family Children's Hospital has established itself as a leader in pediatric care.

Key Takeaways:

• The University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital was ranked number 1 in Iowa and number 12 in the Midwest in the 2025-26 U.S. News and World Report's "Best Children's Hospitals" rankings.
• Stead Family Children's Hospital has appeared in the U.S. News and World Report rankings every year since they were launched in 2007.
• The hospital has a Level 4 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, providing the highest levels of critical and emergency care.
• Stead Family Children's Hospital earned the Gold Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses in 2020, recognizing its commitment to patient care, leadership, and safety.
• The hospital has maintained Magnet designation for nursing excellence since 2008, a distinction awarded to fewer than 10% of hospitals in the United States.
• The University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital has been redesignated as a Magnet Hospital multiple times, including in 2013, 2018, and 2023.

Statistics:

• The hospital was ranked number 12 in the Midwest in the 2025-26 U.S. News and World Report.
• Stead Family Children's Hospital has appeared in the U.S. News and World Report rankings for 18 years (2007-2025).
• The hospital has a Level 4 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center.
• 94% of hospitals in the United States have not earned Magnet designation.
• 6% of hospitals in the United States have achieved Magnet designation, including the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital.

Sources:

• 2007: U.S. News and World Report launched the "Best Children's Hospitals" rankings.
• 2025-26: U.S. News and World Report rankings listed the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital as number 1 in Iowa and number 12 in the Midwest.
• 2020: Stead Family Children's Hospital earned the Gold Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
• 2008, 2013, 2018, 2023: The University of Iowa hospitals and clinics maintained Magnet designation for nursing excellence.
• Iowa Senator Charles Grassley's statement on the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital.