MAGNET RECOGNITION FOR EXCELLENCE IN NURSING SERVICES

Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Services is a program governed through the American Nurses Credentialing Center , the credentialing arm of the American Nurses Association. It is an extremely prestigious recognition, indicating that facilities who have earned this designation not only exhibit excellence in nursing, but the entire culture of patient care is noted to be of extremely high quality. St. Joseph 's/Candler was awarded this recognition in 2002,  and was re-designated in late 2005.

What is Magnet designation?

• It is the highest level of recognition that the American Nurses Credentialing Center may
    grant to healthcare organizations that provide the services of professional registered nurses
  
  
• There are currently 293 facilities in the US who have achieved this award
  
  
• In 2002- St. Joseph 's/Candler was the 44^th facility to achieve this designation
  
  
• There are currently four facilities in Georgia with this designation- St. Joseph 's/Candler in
    Savannah , St. Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta, University Hospital in Augusta, and Medical
    Center of Central Georgia in Macon

What does Magnet designation mean?

• The Magnet Recognition Program provides the framework to recognize excellence in:
  
            >  the management philosophy and practices of nursing services
  
            >  adherence to standards for improving the quality of patient care
  
            >  leadership of the Chief Nursing Officer, in supporting professional practice and 
                continued competence
  
            >  attention to the cultural and ethnic diversity of patients and their significant others,
                as well as the care providers in the system.
  
  
• Magnet designation means a competitive advantage. Research shows that the public has
    more confidence in the overall quality of hospitals that have passed the nursing standards
    necessary to be a Magnet hospital. Acting as a 'Magnet', this designation attracts high-
    quality nursing staff to the organization. This effect is also seen in other departments within
    the organization.
  
  
• Magnet designation means that a 'Magnet culture' has been created within the organization.
    Values such as empowerment, pride, nurturing, mentoring, integrity, respect and teamwork
    are visible in Magnet facilities. The environment is positive.
  
  
• Magnet designation means that collaborative working relationships are fostered. Teamwork
    and positive relationships among different departments and disciplines are demonstrated.
  
  
• Magnet designation improves the quality of patient outcomes. Research shows that Magnet
    hospitals consistently provide the highest quality of care. The standards that Magnet
    hospitals must attain through this program are rigorous and they demand continual
    improvement.

What is the process for obtaining Magnet designation?

• There are four steps in the process.
  
            > first, there is the submission of an application that certifies that the organization
                meets the eligibility requirements
  
            >  secondly, written documentation that reflects compliance with the Forces of
                Magnetism is submitted. Magnet appraisers review the documentation and
                if the material is scored within the excellence range, a site visit is scheduled.
  
            >  The site visit is conducted to verify that the material submitted is accurate and that the 
                 organization truly reflects the Forces of Magnetism.
  
             >  The fourth step is the award decision by the Commission on Magnet Recognition.
                 The Commission reviews the appraiser's reports and votes on recommending the
                 organization for Magnet designation. The designation is for four years.
  
             >  During the four years of designation, yearly monitoring surveys are submitted to
                  ANCC.

What are the Forces of Magnetism?

• The Forces of Magnetism are the components seen in Magnet hospitals. A listing of the 
    fourteen forces is as follows with a brief description of each.
  
             >  Quality of Nursing Leadership- Leaders are seen as strong, knowledgeable and
                 following a distinct philosophy in day-to-day operations. They are supportive and
                 advocate for staff.
  
             >  Organizational Structure- The structure if flat and unit-based decision making 
                 prevails. Nursing is strongly represented in the organization's committees.
  
             >  Management Style- All leaders use a participative management style and
                 feedback and communication are valued.
  
             >  Personnel Policies and Programs- Are created with staff involvement and
                 opportunities for professional growth are seen.
  
             >  Professional Models of Care- Nurses are accountable for their practice and
                 coordinate the patient's care. Nurses have the responsibility and authority for
                 providing care. St. Joseph 's/Candler follows a team approach with the 
                 Florence Nightingale model.
  
             >  Quality of Care- This is seen as an organizational priority. Nurses perceive that
                  they provide high-quality care to the patients.
  
             >  Quality Improvement- These activities are seen as educational and are
                  participated in by nurses and other health care providers.
  
             >  Consultation and Resources- Clinical Nurse Specialists, nurse clinicians and 
                  educators are available, as well as experts from other health care disciplines
                  within the organization
  
             >  Autonomy- Nurses are expected to practice autonomously, using independent
                 judgment and professional standards within the multidisciplinary team.
  
             >  Community and the Healthcare Organization- The organization exhibits a strong
                  presence within the community.
  
             >  Nurses as Teachers- Nurses incorporate teaching into all aspects of patient care.
  
             >  Image of Nursing- Nurses are viewed as essential members of the healthcare 
                 team in providing patient care services.
  
             >  Interdisciplinary Relationships- There is a sense of mutual respect among all 
                 disciplines within the organization.
  
             >  Professional Development- There is strong emphasis on orientation, continued
                 education and opportunities for continued professional and personal growth
                 within the organization.