Magnet Recognition: Rare achievement in nursing means the best possible care for patients

Sherry Danello DHA, MSN, RN, NEA-BC
Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Office
St. Joseph’s/Candler

Smart Living: St. Joseph’s/Candler recently received Magnet® recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for the sixth time, something only 20 other hospitals in the world have achieved. What does this mean for St. Joseph’s/Candler’s patients?

Sherry Danello: Earning Magnet recognition is the gold standard for nursing excellence.  To achieve this distinction once is a remarkable feat. To earn it six times is a rare and powerful testament to sustained excellence in nursing, leadership, and patient care.

For patients, a sixth Magnet designation means they can trust safe, evidence-based care centered on their needs.  Outcomes are consistently better, satisfaction is higher and patients are more confident in their care team.

For the community, this level of recognition signals a health system that does not just meet standards, it sets them.  It shows a relentless commitment to quality, safety and compassion, which strengthens the overall health and wellbeing of the region.

SL: Nurses often seek out the opportunity to work in Magnet hospitals. How does this motivation to be part of Magnet translate to patient care?

SD: For nurses, Magnet designation reflects a deeply embedded culture of professional growth, shared decision-making, and innovation.  It affirms their voices matter, their expertise is valued, and their impact on care is recognized and celebrated.

A sixth Magnet designation is not just an honor.  It is a promise kept, time and time again, to deliver the very best in patient care.