Magnet Recognition Program

from Caring For Our Future, Summer 2003

One of the strategic initiatives established by the Division of Nursing for 2003 was to initiate the process that will result in the achievement of Magnet recognition for nursing service. This initiative in particular was the result of a groundswell of interest and support from staff nurses and nurse managers over the past year. The fact is that Children’s Hospital has many of the characteristics that exemplify a magnet hospital. We will now go through the formal process to apply for “Magnet Recognition.”

In February, Ann Froese-Fretz, MS, RN, CPNP, was appointed the Magnet Coordinator for Children’s. In addition to more than 20 years of experience at TCH, Ann brings excellent writing, presentation and organizational skills to this very challenging role. In recent months, Ann has provided several educational sessions throughout the organization and has plans to do many more. She will also begin writing a regular “Magnet Process” column in the next issue of Caring for Our Future.

On May 9, the first meeting of the Magnet Steering Committee was held. This team is comprised of a cross-section of R.N.’s throughout the system who will assist in guiding our magnet process to success. These individuals are:

We expect that all nursing staff will participate in the magnet journey and that the entire hospital community will be involved to some extent. The Clinical Nurse Council (CNC) has prioritized the communication about the Magnet Program as one of its goals for the next two years. The CNC members have been receiving information and ongoing updates and are responsible for sharing that information with their respective departments.

The Magnet Recognition Program for Excellence in Nursing service is a distinction granted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the credentialing arm of the American Academy of Nursing. Since its inception in 1994, this distinction has become the “gold standard” by which to measure nursing service, particularly as it relates to the professional practice environment. In addition, research has documented better outcomes in magnet hospitals that reflect:

• lower mortality rates
• lower morbidity rates
• lower complication rates
• higher patient satisfaction
• higher staff job satisfaction
• lower overall costs

What will it take to achieve Magnet designation? To begin with, this is an extended process that will likely take about two years. It is not unlike a JCAHO accreditation review except that the entire focus is on nursing service. Specifically, it evaluates those characteristics of a professional nursing practice environment that have been shown to be effective in retaining and attracting nurses. These characteristics include such critical measures as the quality of nursing staff and leadership, the quality of nursing care delivered, and the professional development opportunities afforded to nurses within the organization. It is a long, challenging process that requires the review and documentation of every facet of nursing practice.

I firmly believe that the nursing care provided at The Children’s Hospital in Denver is second to none. The Magnet Service Recognition, in my opinion, will validate that belief and position us as a premier nursing service organization for the future. My hope is that through this rigorous process we not only recognize excellence in nursing care, but excellence in the environment where nurses practice.