Magnet Recognition In Nursing

Magnet Recognition Program

Nurses ' are expected to provide tender, comprehensive and compassionate care. To improve the quality of patient care provided, in 1983, American Academy of Nursing started a program that helps identify traits of a hospital which would attract and retain nurses, that provide exceptional quality of care. This study founded what we today know as the Magnet Recognition program and hospitals which have all the "Forces of Magnetism" are awarded title of Magnet Hospitals. To initially apply for Magnet certification, an organization has to fill out an application, provide all the supporting documents and have to reapply for designation every 4 years. As of now, there are 446 Magnet hospitals worldwide out of which 439

To achieve Magnet status, an organization has to demonstrate its commitment to nursing excellence by working towards improving nursing practice and changing the work environment. One of the documentation required is the educational background of all the nurses, including what percent of nurses have an associate, bachelors or higher degree in nursing. More than seventy-five percent of nurse managers should have at least a Bachelor 's degree. All the data regarding patient quality care needs to be submitted to American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) on a quarterly basis and is compared to benchmark performance and against national benchmark performance. All the data has to be submitted for at least 2 years before the written documentation regarding organizational, nursing achievements and changes are submitted. These organizational changes must demonstrate the health care structure followed by the organization; its effect on the patient care, leadership, management philosophy, and how it has helped achieve a better quality of patient care. After all the documentation has been submitted, ANCC does a three-day intensive on-site review of the organization. After an intensive review of documentation, on-site visit, votes are cast to confer Magnet review to the

Few forces are discussed below:

An organization with a shared decision-making system ("Forces of Magnetism"): Managers implement this force by making decisions based on votes among staff including staff nurses and nurse techs. Managers can hold monthly meeting such as on every 3rd Tuesday of the month for both the shifts and discuss issues the unit is facing and ask for solutions. This way staff feels that they have a say on the unit and not feel that their opinions are ignored by managers and directors. Also, a delegate can be picked from each unit or clinical area who can represent the unit on hospital based committees.

A supportive management where communication is placed on high priority and constructive feedback is appreciated ("Forces of Magnetism"): Managers can implement this force by meeting with staff monthly, sending out meeting minutes emails and placing a folder on the unit where staff can read important announcements and acknowledge it. Also, acknowledging staff 's exceptional work in form of thank you notes mailed, emailing feedback and conducting staff 's semi-annual evaluation to provide feedback and improvement opportunities is very important. It helps staff feel appreciated which makes them more receptive to constructive criticism and to