What is Magnet?

St. Luke's Hospital has succeeded in achieving Magnet recognition for the second time from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), signifying successful implementation of the national Magnet standards for nursing excellence. Of those U.S. hospitals seeking redesignation, only about three percent succeed.

In 1981, the American Academy of Nursing organized a taskforce to study reasons why some hospitals were able to attract and retain nurses despite the nursing shortage. One hundred fifty hospitals were studied nationwide with 41 determined to be "magnets" for registered nurses (RNs). The taskforce identified 14 characteristics that these hospitals possessed that created a "magnetic" environment which attracted and retained nurses. These attributes became known as the "Forces of Magnetism."

Magnet recognition is a prestigious and coveted international award given to organizations that demonstrate the Forces of Magnetism in innovative and dynamic ways. The goals of the Magnet program are to promote quality in an environment that supports professional nursing practice, disseminate successful nursing practices and promote positive patient outcomes.

In Magnet hospitals:

• Nurses are empowered and accountable for their practice
• Patients have better outcomes and are more satisfied
• Professional advancement is encouraged and rewarded
• There is greater staff involvement in decision-making

The American Nurses Credentialing Center, the nation's largest nursing accrediting and credentialing organization, administers the program.

The application process includes four phases:

• Application
• Submission of Written Documentation and Evaluation
• Site Visit
• Evaluation at the Magnet Program Office

The application process involves intense coordination, documentation and teamwork.