UNMC’s hospital partner, The Nebraska Medical Center, is honored to receive the esteemed Magnet designation for extraordinary nursing care. The achievement, as determined by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program®, is widely viewed as the “gold standard” in the nursing profession. It is also one of the highest levels of recognition a medical center can achieve.
“Magnet recognition shows we are living out our mission of providing serious medicine and extraordinary care,” said Rita VanFleet, adjunct senior clinical associate at UNMC and chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services at The Nebraska Medical Center. “This is not just a nursing honor. It is a reflection of the professional, compassionate and caring atmosphere fostered by everyone at The Nebraska Medical Center.”
The Magnet designation is a coveted mark of distinction, achieved by only 4 percent of all health care organizations in the United States. In reaching this status, The Nebraska Medical Center is recognized for its dedication to creating a positive nursing culture, an ongoing commitment to excellence in nursing and for providing the highest quality patient care.
“Our nursing staff represents some of the most experienced and talented nurses in the profession,” said Pat Lenaghan, a UNMC clinical associate and director of the Magnet Program at The Nebraska Medical Center. “We are thrilled with the Magnet designation. Our nurses are very proud of the positive feedback they receive from patients and families, but it is also a wonderful feeling to earn this team recognition from such a well-respected program.”
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.
Additionally, research shows there are clear benefits to hospitals that are awarded Magnet status and to the communities they serve:
- Healthcare 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.
Magnet status is valid for four years.