Magnet Designation - August 19,2009

Carle Foundation Hospital is proud to be among the 6 percent of U.S. hospitals that are Magnet designated by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Magnet is a national recognition that honors nursing excellence and is only awarded to select hospitals that provide the very best nursing care.

In order to achieve Magnet status, Carle underwent a rigorous evaluation spanning several years. The process included reviews of patient care outcomes and nursing practices; testimonies from nurses, physicians and other medical and clinical staff; and site visits, among other metrics.

As a Magnet organization, Carle joins an elite group. Fewer than 300 hospitals in the nation are Magnet and only 20 are in Illinois.

About Magnet

The Magnet Recognition Program® is considered to be the gold standard of nursing recognitions. It was developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association, to help patients identify organizations that provide superior nursing care. The ANCC also uses the program to disseminate best nursing practices and strategies.

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 2007, seven of the top 10 who made the honor roll were Magnet.

Magnet status is given in four-year increments. Hospitals must reapply for the designation; it is not automatically renewed. The practice encourages hospitals to continually improve their standard of care.
In order to qualify for Magnet, hospitals must meet the 14 Forces of Magnet, which are:

• Quality of Nursing Leadership
• Organizational Structure
• Management Style
• Personnel Policies & Programs
• Professional Models of Care
• Quality of Care
• Quality Improvement
• Consultation & Resources
• Autonomy
• Community and the Healthcare Organization
• Nurses as Teachers
• Image of Nursing
• Interdisciplinary Relationships
• Professional Development

Benefits

For Patients

When compared to non-Magnet organizations, Magnet hospitals deliver care that is higher quality and safer, according to research. Nurses at Magnet hospitals also are more highly educated and adhere to best nursing practices. Patients can expect:

• Better outcomes
• That nurses will spend more time at the bedside
• Shorter lengths of stay
• Lower mortality rates
• Higher patient satisfaction rates

For Nurses

Work at a Magnet hospital and work with the best. Magnet organizations offer a superior working environment where nurses are highly valued. Carle’s clinical staff enjoys state-of-the-art technology and the opportunity to conduct research in difference-making areas such as pain management. In addition, Magnet hospitals provide:

• More interaction with patients
• A commitment to following best nursing practices
• Higher nurse satisfaction rates
• Increased nurse retention and recruitment
• A positive working environment
• Better relationships with physicians and other clinical staff

For Physicians

Physicians and other health care staff also benefit from Magnet. Magnet hospitals are among the most innovative and technologically advanced in the country. And they foster collaboration and encourage strong professional relationships between medical and clinical staff. Also, research has demonstrated that Magnet hospitals are better able to attract high quality physicians and specialists, who enjoy working with a superior medical and clinical team.