Designating one day a month for meetings increased frontline nurses’ involvement in committees and councils.
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Magnet®
2019 Magnet® Application Manual raises the bar for nursing excellence
In October 2017, the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program® released the 2019 Magnet® Application Manual, the 12th application manual in the 27-year history of the program. It builds upon the foundation of seminal research conducted in the early 1980s that led to the creation of the program, but it also incorporates contemporary standards that address challenges faced globally by healthcare organizations today.
A case study of a managers’ workshop
To apply for Magnet® recognition, a healthcare organization must describe and demonstrate how its nursing leaders promote and develop nursing…
A hospital’s Magnet® redesignation drive spurs efforts to improve patient safety
Magnet appraisers’ questions increase the author’s determination to reduce patient falls.
A nurse-driven community education program for older adults
Organizational involvement in community service is a key component of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program®. Healthcare organizations…
A nursing recognition program gets a makeover
In an effort to provide an equitable and systematic structure for recognizing excellence in clinical nursing and to encourage commitment…
A ROADMAP involves patients and families in the plan of care
This electronic tool keeps patients and families informed on key aspects of care.
A system’s Pathway to Excellence® journey
Learn how one organization achieved both designation and redesignation. Takeaways: BayCare Health System set a goal of achieving Pathway to…
A Year of Gifts
Our editor-in-chief reviews important accomplishments in the past year and presents a nursing "wish list".
Achieving Magnet® designation: From preparation to pride
In March 2015, Main Line Health® designation became one of only 19 health systems across the nation to receive Magnet®…
Adapting a professional practice model
Follow these steps to ensure nurse engagement and interprofessional collaboration. Takeaways: Creating a PPM is required for ANCC Magnet® designated…
Advancing shared governance during a pandemic
A collaborative initiative yields positive outcomes despite challenging circumstances. Takeaways: Shared governance is a framework that empowers collaborative decision-making and…
Advancing toward an 80% BSN workforce by 2020
Learn about the steps one Connecticut hospital is taking to increase its BSN nurses.
ANA honors hospitals for outstanding quality
Which hospitals won the 2010 NDNQI® Award for Outstanding Nursing
Quality Indicators®
ANCC honors clinicians with first annual Magnet® Nurse of the Year Awards
At the National Magnet® Conference held October 4 to 6 in Baltimore, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) presented its…
Applying the Magnet™ model to improve medication safety
A Baltimore hospital used the five Magnet components as a framework for
transforming its bedside medication administration process. Involving directcare
nurses in decision making was a key aspect of the project.
Attaining Magnet status
The authors explain the program that has brought Magnet success to seven hospitals – so far.
Bassett Medical Center wins 2011 Magnet Prize®
At the National Magnet® Conference held October 4 to 6 in Baltimore, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and Cerner®…
Boot camp can help prepare nurses for Magnet® appraiser visits
At Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), clinical nurses faced multiple challenges during a 6-week period in 2013: hospital-wide rollout…
Breathing life back into a medical ethics committee
Organizations pursuing Magnet® recognition must ensure the evidence supports the structures in place for frontline nurses to address ethical issues. What’s more, the…
Bring on the heat!
Unit nurses take a creative approach to solving a clinical practice problem.
Bringing nursing orientation back to life
Our hospital systems’ journey to obtain Magnet® recognition led to an excellent opportunity: the chance to revamp and improve our nursing…
Building a successful behavioral emergency support team
Takeaways Healthcare workers experience more incidents of workplace violence compared to other professionals. A healthy work environment requires that nurses…
Building collaboration between CNOs and direct-care nurses
Collaboration hinges on mutual trust and respect. To nurture these attributes, the chief nursing officer must appreciate others’ contributions, use the skillsets of nurses at different knowledge levels, and involve staff in shared governance.
Calming the chaos: Simulated code interdisciplinary team training
As a healthcare professional, you’ve probably witnessed the chaos and confusion that ensue when a “code blue” is called for…
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia partners with schools to promote healthy lifestyles
School is second only to family as the most influential environment in a child’s life. For some children, school is…
Comparing Pathway to Excellence® and Magnet Recognition® Programs
Two roads to nurse engagement and quality outcomes. Takeaways: Magnet recognizes healthcare organizations for quality outcomes, patient care and nursing…
Competency-based orientation of Magnet® program directors
MPD preparation is the first step in the journey. Editor’s note: This is an early release of an article that…
Create a great work culture
For a successful leader, establishing the right environment isn’t part of the job. It is the job.
Creating a Magnet® culture using the ANA Code of Ethics
One hospital’s Magnet workgroup used a Code of Ethics program to transform nursing practice.
Creating a self-sustaining professional culture of quality
To earn Magnet redesignation, a hospital must be able to sustain a professional culture of quality. A nurse leader at one hospital describes how her nursing staff has done just that.
Cultivating high-quality abstracts, manuscripts, and presentations
Using information sheets allowed this organization to achieve its dissemination goals. Takeaways: Dissemination information sheets can improve the quality of…
Culture trifecta: Building the infrastructure for Magnet® and just culture
At one community hospital, nurses, physicians, and administrators worked together to build the infrastructure for Magnet® and just culture into their organization, aiding their pursuit of healthcare excellence.
Designing a sustainable research strategy
A workshop helps frontline nurses pursue research interests. By Stephanie A. Walton, MSN, RN, NPD-BC; Kara Sankey, MSN, CNL, RN;…
Developing shared governance leaders
To obtain Magnet® recognition, hospitals must have structures and processes in place that ensure nurses participate in shared decision making.…
Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Elevate clinician voices through an interprofessional core council. Takeaways: Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts strive to improve healthcare for…
Do Magnet facilitites maintain their “magnetism”?
Nursing researchers investigated 41 facilities to determine whether they maintained thier “Magnetism” after earning Magnet designation.
Driving to zero harm with nursing morbidity and mortality conferences
An operating room’s quality-improvement project increased communication and transparency. (more…)
Energize your career with the forces of magnetism
Is a Magnet facility for you? Explore the benefits.
Fusing Magnet® and just culture
The author describes the beneficial alignment of just culture concepts Magnet® principles.
Get ready for web-based electronic Magnet® document submission
According to the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the Magnet Recognition Program® “recognizes healthcare organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence,…
Get your head into the cloud
How to use technology to streamline Magnet® documentation submission. Takeaways: Cloud technology helps to streamline the Magnet document submission process.…
Gifts that keep on giving
December turns our hearts and minds to the holiday season. We juggle work time and family demands to prepare for…
Global nursing excellence shines at ANCC’s National Magnet Conference
Last October’s conference honored 40 newly designated and 64 redesignated Magnet organizations, announced the 2010 Magnet Prize recipient, honored Magnet Prize Honors winners, and recognized individual nurse leaders for their outstanding service and contributions.
Going for the gold: The value of attaining Magnet recognition
Earning Magnet status brings an organization both external prestige and internal benefits.
Helping nurses to achieve nursing excellence
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association, provides individuals and organizations throughout the nursing…
Highlights from the 2011 ANCC National Magnet Conference®
View people, activities, and crafts at the Baltimore conference.
Highlights from the 2012 ANCC National Magnet Conference®
The recent conference offered education programs,
networking opportunities, artwork, and
Hospital holidays
‘Twas the month of major holidays when all through the house Lots of creatures were stirring, tapping tablets or clicking…
How Magnet® designation affects nurse retention: An evidence-based research project
A positive work environment and nurse satisfaction can improve nurse retention.
How nurse’s work environment influences key performance indicators
In today’s increasingly competitive healthcare market, effective nursing practice is a critical component of high-value care and an essential driver of health system…
How one hospital helps staff nurses pay for advanced academic degrees
An innovative funding program is helping to create a highly educated nursing workforce.
How Project LeaRN promotes lifelong learning
The Institute of Medicine’s 2010 report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health” made recommendations to help nurses overcome…
How to increase unit-based shared governance participation and empowerment
Today’s bedside nurses are inundated with computerized documentation, patient-care coordination, and task lists. Their responsibilities leave them little time to…
How to plan a successful Magnet® site visit
After preparing and submitting documents to the Magnet Recognition Program®, you and your colleagues wait, hoping for a phone call…
Implementing a floating hospice
Providing the right care at the right time can enhance patients’ and families’ end-of-life experience. (more…)
Implementing and evaluating an oral chemotherapy tracking tool
An academic medical center develops guidelines for monitoring medication adherence and side effects in outpatients. Takeaways: A gap exists between…
Improving patient satisfaction the 4DX way
With focus and accountability, quality improvement is possible. Takeaways Using traditional strategies, a hospital unit’s Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare…
Interprofessional education promotes collaboration
A program for health profession students nurtures teamwork in a hospital setting.
Journey of a novice Magnet® program director
The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program® serves as the highest recognition of nursing excellence. The designation puts nurses at the forefront of influencing improved patient outcomes and experience as well as ensuring a safe and healthy work environment. Magnet recognition represents nurses’ commitment to lifelong learning and bedside autonomy, which allows them to continue to advocate for patient care and safety.
Jump-starting unit-based councils
“Iam involved in decisions that affect my work.” Many hospitals are striving to achieve better scores on this important employee-engagement…
Lean tools and concepts reduce waste, improve efficiency
By putting lean principles in action, a health network has shortened stays,
improved patient satisfaction, and decreased ED-to-bed times.
Learning from mistakes
Today’s healthcare organizations need to improve patient safety, which includes effectively communicating information to nurses about safety incidents and how…
Lessons learned by Magnet® Program Directors
Organizations on the path to obtaining Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) appoint a single source of…
Level loading nurse assignments based on the work intensity
Takeaways Nursing assignments frequently are based on ratios and geography rather than work intensity associated with a specific patient assignment.…
Leveraging technology to improve care and patient outcomes
The CHAMP app supports at-home monitoring of patients with single ventricle cardiac disease. Takeaways: CHAMP is a single ventricle interstage…
Magnet FAQs
If your organization has decided to embark on the Magnet journey or has already earned Magnet recognition, you might be…
Magnet journey creates parallel paths
Discover how the road to nursing excellence can also improve other departments.
Magnet Profiles
The Magnet Profiles section in this issue highlights various aspects of the Magnet Recognition Program® and provides information about specific…
Magnet Recognition Program® update
The director of the National Magnet Recognition Program® previews the upcoming conference and reveals other
activities at the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Magnet Recognition Program®: Facts and FAQs
Get up-to-date on the Magnet Recognition Program®.
Magnet redesignation: A journey well worth taking
Nurses at one healthcare system set out to show appraisers how much their organization had matured since earning Magnet status.
Magnet® and COVID-19 response
Emergent change requires a framework that supports nurses. Takeaways: Settings enculturating the Magnet® framework were better able to cope with…
Magnet® and the charge nurse role
Many organizations lack role-specific competency-based orientation, leaving nurses to learn on the job. Traditionally, nurses learn the charge nurse role over time as they progress from novice to expert, which was sufficient with greater experienced-to-novice nurse ratios. This article highlights a hospital that developed a role-based competency program for charge nurses.
Magnet® Nurses In Action: Clinical stars lead a successful professional practice program
The UEXCEL program has improved patient outcomes while developing nurse leadership and autonomy.
Making the case for Magnet® designation to the C-suite
How to convince senior executives that the Magnet journey is well worth the expense
Mission: Achieve continual readiness for Joint Commission surveys
Surviving surprise visits can be easier if you use the author’s “E” approach.
Mobile devices and healthcare-associated infections
Nursing research—a win for nurses and patients. Takeaways: Mobile handheld devices are being used at more often in healthcare settings. …
Modifying the Magnet model: The shape of things to come
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) rolls out a new model for its Magnet Recognition Program.
Modifying the Magnet model: The shape of things to come
Learn about the next-generation model for the Magnet Recognition Program.
More nurses are at the table
Pilot initiative shows significant growth in board service. (more…)
National Magnet Nurse of the Year® 2014 award winners
The National Magnet Nurse of the Year® awards from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) recognize the outstanding contributions of…
National Magnet Nurse of the Year® 2015 award winners
Left to right: Dr. Michael L. Evans, President, ANCC; award winners June K. Amling, Christina M. Tussey, Cathy C. Cartwright,…
National Magnet Nurse of the Year® 2016 award winners
The National Magnet Nurse of the Year® awards from the American Nurses Credentialing Center recognize the outstanding contributions of clinical…
National Magnet Nurse of the Year® 2017 award winners
By Rebecca Graystone, MS, MBA, RN, NE-BC The Magnet Recognition Program® recognizes healthcare organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence,…
National Magnet Nurse of the Year™ 2012 award winners
The National Magnet Nurse of the Year™ awards from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) recognize the outstanding contributions of…
National Priorities Partnership explores nursing’s contributions to healthcare transformation
Seeking to address major healthcare challenges, the National Priorities Partnership recognizes the many contributions nurses are making to advance its goals and transform health care. This article details the steps needed to optimize nursing’s contributions in specific areas.
Navigating excellence during a pandemic: The Magnet® program director’s role
Use the Magnet model components as a framework for meeting a crisis. Takeaways: Nursing leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic requires…
Near-peer mentoring for nursing research education
This collaborative approach instills confidence in novice researchers, prepares more experienced nurses for future leadership, and expands the reach of…
Night councils
Bring night-shift nurses to the shared governance table. Takeaways: Night-shift nurses frequently miss out on the benefits of shared governance…
Novel ethics champion programs
Three pediatric hospitals share tips for success. Takeaways: Ethics champion programs can connect nurses with the ethical foundations of nursing…
Nurse documentation and the electronic health record
Use the nursing process to take advantage of EHRs’ capabilities and optimize patient care. Takeaways: If not used properly, the…
Nurse leaders discuss the nurse’s role in driving technology decisions
In an AMNT roundtable, executives discuss the value of engaging frontline nurses in technology decisions, explore the chief nursing officer’s role in technology selection, and exchange views on how technology improves patient outcomes.
Nurse-sensitive indicators: Integral to the Magnet journey
To help earn Magnet designation, Children’s National Medical Center established TPN and lipid error elimination as a unit-based nurse-sensitive indicator. Its implementation improved
patient-care outcomes, enhanced nurses’ pride, and led to an environment of inquiry.
Nursing excellence: Successful steps to reduce pressure injuries related to noninvasive ventilation
Empowered professionals enhance patient safety. (more…)
Nursing peer review: Principles and practice
First defined more than 20 years ago, nursing peer review holds nursing practice to the highest standards.
Nursing peer review: Raising the bar on quality
A nursing peer-review process at a Magnet hospital drives exemplary outcomes and promotes a more professional environment.
Nursing research sheds light on key nursing-care values
Formulating a philosophy of patient-care delivery helped a nursing department prepare for Magnet redesignation.
One hospital’s “peanutty” path to Magnet designation
Find out how a peanut-butter taste test taught staff nurses about the research process.
Operationalizing new knowledge, innovations, and improvement
This organization’s infrastructure supports clinical inquiry. Takeaways: Nursing has the responsibility to provide evidence-based practice that meets patient, family, and…
Operationalizing Pathway to Excellence® standard for professional development
Strategies for developing a competent, collaborative staff. During this past year, nurses have been celebrated as heroes, receiving the well-deserved…
Operationalizing Pathway to Excellence® standard for shared decision-making
A principle that guides nursing practice. Piedmont Fayette Hospital in Fayetteville, Georgia, has been on a journey to promote a…
Operationalizing the Pathway to Excellence® quality standard
Engage new nurses to ensure a sense of shared responsibility. Takeaways: The Pathway to Excellence Program quality standard requires that…
Our journey along the Pathway to Excellence®
A rural community hospital shares its story of designation and re-designation. Takeaways: Pathway to Excellence® is an evolving process that…
Our Magnet site Visit
How preparation paved the way to success
Palliative care in the emergency department
Quality improvement project increases consultations. Takeaways: The fast-paced environment of the emergency department makes it difficult to have lengthy care…
Partnering for nursing advancement
Magnet4Europe represents the largest international implementation science initiative designed to leverage the American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet® model for improving work environments and clinician well-being in Europe. Partnerships have been created between 68 Magnet-recognized U.S. hospitals and 65 general acute care hospitals in Belgium, England, Germany, Ireland, Norway, and Sweden.
Pathway to Excellence® in long-term care organizations
This framework can help improve the practice environment for nurses. Takeaways: Now, during the pandemic, is the time to make…
Pathway to Excellence®: A framework to combat PTSD
This resource helps organizations create a positive practice environment. Takeaways: Workplace stress has an alarming impact on nurse well-being. Pathway…
Patient-centered simulations can strengthen collegial relationships
A few years ago, when Cone Health (based in Greensboro, North Carolina) decided to strive for top-decile health-system status by 2015, work began on…
Pivotal role of the Magnet® program director
Fanning the flames of nursing excellence. Celebrating Magnet® designation is a day like no other. Whether it’s the first, third,…
Preceptor education: Focusing on quality and safety education for nurses
The transition from novice to expert nurse has been an important topic in nursing circles for more than 30 years,…
Professional governance and staff engagement
A new medical unit establishes an engaged nursing workforce. Takeaways: A culture grounded in teamwork, shared governance, and accountability is…
Quantifying the benefits of staff participation in shared governance
Organizations can save money and avoid costs by involving
staff in the work of shared governance.
Remedying role confusion: Differentiating RN and LPN roles
When the lines between RN’s and LPN’s practice roles got blurry, nurses initiated a comprehensive process to clearly define and demarcate these roles.
Retaining novice nurses
A dedicated new nurse council aids retention. Takeaways: High nurse turnover comes with costs that are great both to the…
Rotating peripheral IV catheters based on clinical indication
How one hospital used lean methodology coupled with evidence-based practice to update nursing care. Takeaways: Healthcare organizations must strive to…
Schwartz Center Rounds® and Magnet®: Enhancing patient- and family-centered care
This favorable combination provides a safe
setting for caregivers to discuss difficult issues.
Shared governance aids compliance with Magnet® model sources of evidence
Of the five Magnet® model components, the shared governance (SG) process most closely aligns with exemplary professional practice and structural…
Spotlight on nurse staffing, autonomy, and control over practice
This article kicks off our series that examines the distinguishing traits of Magnet hospitals and discusses strategies that can make healthcare facilities more “magnetic.”
Staffing committees: A safe staffing solution that includes engagement
With nurse input, this hospital strives for staffing satisfaction. Takeaways: Staffing and scheduling presents some of the greatest challenges for…
Standardizing handoff communication
An electronic tool helps ensure care continuity and reduces miscommunication. Takeaways: Using a standardized electronic handoff tool improves nurse-to-nurse communication.…
Structural empowerment and the Magnet® Model: A perfect fit
Nursing literature abounds with descriptive and predictive studies of structural empowerment and its relationship to nurses’ trust, commitment, control over…
Succession planning for Magnet® Program Director
A written succession plan gives direction when developing successors for the director role.
Supporting novice nurses in a float pool
As the nursing profession strives to advance care delivery, it’s faced with many challenges, including adequately educating nurses and effectively managing staffing and retention issues. We need new, innovative solutions to effectively deal with these challenges. Christiana Care Health System (CCHS) developed a unique medical nurse float pool to support medical nursing units by decreasing overtime costs and managing unpredictable staffing needs.
Sustaining a shared governance organization
Learn about the tools and mechanisms that foster an autonomous nursing staff.
Sustaining shared decision making: A biennial task force process
Many hospitals have instituted formal shared decision making (SDM) or shared governance to promote excellence in nursing practice. SDM is…
The ABCs of nursing research
Alleviate barriers with collaboration. Takeaways: An organizational infrastructure promoting a culture of inquiry is essential to advance nursing science with…
The inside scoop of a virtual site visit
Plan and prepare to ensure a successful visit. Takeaways: Gain insight into how to conduct a virtual site visit. Learn…
The Magnet journey: A boost to professionalism among nurses
At a rural hospital working toward Magnet recognition, adopting shared decision-making governance increased nurses’ confidence and boosted interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Magnet® effect: Success in minimizing bloodstream infections
One hospital’s Magnet quest and several other factors came together to reduce the infection rate.
The Magnetizers: A team approach to Magnet®-focused teaching
Six direct-care nurses came together to teach hospital staff about the Magnet Recognition Program.®
The path to a quieter unit
Get staff engaged in evidence-based practice and quality-improvement projects. Takeaways: Using a participatory and shared governance approach, nurses conducted evidence…
The value of ANCC’s Magnet Recognition Program®: A CNO’s perspective
Reap the benefits of retention, innovation, and a safe workplace. Takeaways: Research indicates that Magnet-recognized organization have better outcomes related…
Third time’s a charm: Preparing for Magnet® redesignation
Lessons learned from three site visits. Takeaways: Although an organization may be familiar with Magnet process, the standards for redesignation…
Tme magnetic matrix: Building blocks of Magnet™ hospitals
Even during a nursing shortage, building magnetism into a healthcare environment promotes better patient outcomes, lower mortality rates, and higher…
Transitional care—The pathway to integrated care delivery
Clinical and community partnerships reduce hospitalization and emergency department visits. Takeaways: Nurses need to lead the way in redesigning integrated…
Uplifting clinical nurses through Magnet® exemplar writing
These contributions enhance engagement, empowerment, and professional development. Takeaways: Exemplar writing for the Magnet application requires reflection, evidence gathering, and…
Use data to drive empirical outcomes
Follow the evidence to improve satisfaction and efficiency. Takeaways: Using operating room first case on-time start data can help drive…
Using mobile technology during patient handoffs
This Magnet®-recognized organization created a process for virtual bedside transfers. Takeaways: Virtual patient handoffs using web-enabled devices can reduce anxiety…
Viewpoint: What today’s bumper crop of new nurses means for nursing education, healthcare employers, and consumers
Editor’s note: This issue of American Nurse Today…Online introduces a new regular department called “Viewpoint,” which highlights the thoughts, opinions,…
Virtual technology prepares nurses for a hospital move
Virtual-building orientation teaches hospital staff how to
navigate a new building even before the move takes place.
What can Magnet do for you?
The Magnet Recognition Program identifies healthcare facilities committed to nursing excellence.
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