Fairview Ridges Hospital is now among the few hospitals in the nation that have achieved Magnet designation for excellence in nursing services by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program®. The hospital received news of their selection by the ANCC October 18.

They join an elite group of only four percent of health care organizations selected as Magnet facilities because of their quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovations in professional nursing practice. It’s one of the highest levels of recognition a hospital can achieve.

This recognition confirms that our environment supports professionl nursing practice and focuses on decisions at the bedside, nursing involvement in determining the work environment and career development and leadership,” says Helen Strike, chief nursing officer.  “This is the one award in the nursing profession that recognizes that we provide outstanding quality care and service and is the best place to work.”

“We are proud to honor Fairview Ridges Hospital with Magnet designation,” Brenda Kelly, ANCC, told a roomful of nursing leaders and staff during a conference call announcing the official designation. “Congratulations on a job well done.”

The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes health care organizations that demonstrate excellence in nursing practice and adherence to national standards for the organization and delivery of nursing services. Applicants undergo a rigorous evaluation that includes extensive interviews and review of nursing services. Research shows there are clear benefits to hospitals that are awarded Magnet status and to the communities they serve:
• Health care consumers have more confidence in the overall quality of a hospital if it has achieved the level of excellence established by the Magnet Recognition Program.
• Magnet-designated facilities consistently outperform other facilities in recruiting and retaining nurses resulting in increased stability in patient care and patient satisfaction.
• Because quality nursing is one of the most important factors in enlisting high-caliber physicians and specialists, Magnet status becomes an attractive force that extends to the entire facility.

The designation recognizes “that this is a wonderful place for patients to receive care and for staff to work and be involved in making a difference,” says Strike.

Sue Miller, who led the magnet process for the hospital, agrees. “This recognition honors what we do best every day; provide high quality care for our patients.”

The hospital will be formally recognized at a future Magnet conference.

ANCC is the largest and most prominent nursing credentialing organization in the United States. The hospital’s Magnet status is valid for four years.