Magnet: May the Forces Be With You
from Caring For Our Future, Fall 2005
By Lynne Hedrick, MS, RN Senior VP, Patient Care Services
For many of us, the completion of the Magnet Recognition Site Survey at the end of August mapped another milestone in the history of excellence at The Children’s Hospital. For me personally, the process of rigorous review and documentation of nursing practice validated what I had already known: that the nurses, staff and physicians at Children’s are second to none.
Add to that the support of our patients, families and community partnerships, and our successes have no limit. Our mission may drive us, but it is my belief that good working relationships enable us all to achieve great things together that are not possible to achieve as individuals.
The Magnet site surveyors commented positively about many of the “forces of magnetism” that were evident to them from the information we submitted and from what they observed during their visit. They had the opportunity to meet and chat with many nurses formally and informally at meals, in departments and within various committees. It was clear to the surveyors that nurses at Children’s contribute to the positive outcomes in patient care, research, education and advocacy.
Our nurses’ positive contributions also were reinforced at the sessions scheduled with physicians, other disciplines and community representatives. The survey team specifically commented about the strength of nurse-physician relationships. The impression that remained after the physician interviews was one that depicted strong collaborative practice where nurses were viewed as highly valued members of the health-care team and experts in the field of pediatric nursing.
The session with other non-nursing disciplines and staff also spoke of an environment where nurses are recognized as a key component for teamwork at Children’s. The community representatives spoke highly of the relationships that Children’s has fostered and nurtured over the years. Individual patients and families, other health-care providers and representatives from many organizations throughout the state and region spoke intimately about their relationships with the hospital and with nurses in particular. This was a profoundly deep and touching culmination to a rigorous survey process.
Years ago, when I first became familiar with the Magnet Recognition Program, I was not quick to embrace the need for another distinction. I felt (as I do now) that the practice environment for nurses at Children’s already had the characteristics that mirrored the magnet forces. From the quality of our leadership to our long-standing focus on professional development, there was no question in my mind that Children’s nursing was exemplary. Over time, however, it became important for my colleagues and me to ensure that all nurses, regardless of their experience at Children’s, knew of our rich history and many achievements. The magnet journey prompted us to review our past, paying particular attention to those forces that ensure a strong role for nursing now and in the future.
I believe that the magnet process allowed nurses and those who interact with nurses an opportunity to acknowledge the importance and value of a strong, well-educated and autonomous nursing staff. It also raised the bar for achievements and expectations that will strengthen the nursing profession for the future. I am excited about the possibilities and look forward to continued challenges and success. May the force(s) be with you!
