August 19, 2009
Carle Foundation Hospital earns national recognition for nursing excellence
Carle Foundation Hospital has received Magnet® designation, the nation’s highest honor for nursing care. The recognition, considered to be the gold standard for nursing, is given by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program®.
“Carle’s nurses have always provided exceptional patient care to our community and the work everyone has done to achieve this designation is incredibly important,” said James C. Leonard, MD, president and CEO of The Carle Foundation. “This is healthcare reform. This is the real deal. It’s all about quality,” he stated.
The Magnet Recognition Program honors health care organizations that demonstrate excellence in nursing practice and adherence to national standards for the organization and delivery of nursing services. Applicants undergo a rigorous evaluation that includes extensive interviews and review of nursing services. Carle’s Magnet status is valid for four years.
Research shows there are clear benefits to hospitals that have achieved Magnet status and to the communities they serve, including:
- Better patient outcomes
- Lower mortality rates
- Increased stability in patient care
- Greater patient satisfaction
- Reduced nursing vacancy rates and turnover.
Nurses at Magnet hospitals also spend more time at the bedside and report greater satisfaction with their work. In addition, Magnet hospitals have an advantage in recruiting physicians and specialists, who enjoy working with high quality nurses.
ANCC is the largest and most prominent nursing credentialing organization in the United States. In fact, in its annual report on “America’s Best Hospitals,” U.S. News & World Report includes Magnet designation in its criteria and applies points for the status in a hospital’s overall total. In 2009, the top 5 hospitals who made the honor roll had achieved Magnet recognition.
Along with honoring outstanding care, the ANCC also uses the program to disseminate best nursing practices and strategies.
“We are so proud to deliver care that’s Magnet-worthy every day,” said Pamela Bigler, vice president of patient care services and CNO at Carle Foundation Hospital. “Even though we have achieved Magnet status, we will continuously improve our care, strengthen the environment in which our nurses practice and work together to build a healthier community.”
For more information: www.carle.org/magnet