St. Louis Children’s Hospital has received the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence, the Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It’s the third national honor this year for the hospital, which earlier was named among the best children’s hospitals in America in separate surveys by Child magazine and U.S. News & World Report.
“The designation is called ‘Magnet’ because the nursing culture in the organization is one that enables the hospital to attract and retain outstanding nurses,” says Velinda Block, MSN, RN, vice president of patient care services. “Nurses and other clinical personnel want to work at Magnet hospitals because of their reputation for both excellent care and supportive environments for staff. Although this honor signifies excellence in nursing, it also reflects the caliber of the entire organization.”
St. Louis Children’s Hospital achieved Magnet status after an intensive two-year application and evaluation process. Standards of nursing care evaluated include clinical competence and assessment, education, certification, cultural diversity, and collaboration. To date nearly 160 of almost 5,000 hospitals nationwide – about 3 percent – have Magnet status. Hospitals are re-evaluated every four years to ensure Magnet standards are maintained.
“For the health care consumer, Magnet recognition is like a seal of approval for quality nursing care,” says Lee Fetter, St. Louis Children’s Hospital president. “Magnet hospitals must meet high patient care standards, such as having better patient outcomes and higher rates of patient satisfaction. I’m proud of our team for earning this honor – they’re truly dedicated to our hospital’s mission of doing what’s right for kids and their families.”
St. Louis Children’s Hospital employs over 900 nurses in every pediatric medical and surgical specialty. Each year about 275,000 patients visit the hospital, which has served patients from all 50 states and 51 countries.
The Magnet Recognition Program was developed in 1994 by the ANCC – the largest nursing accrediting and credentialing organization in the United States – to recognize hospitals that provide the best nursing care and support professional nursing practice. The program also provides a forum for nurses around the nation to communicate successful practices and strategies.