| |
In 1994, The University of Washington Medical Center was the first hospital to achieve the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Recognition® status. The second hospital was Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey. These two organizations recognized early the benefits of achieving this recognition.
Magnet designation recognizes excellence in nursing practice.
The Magnet designation not only recognizes excellence in nursing, but also benefits patients and the organization. For the healthcare consumer, Magnet designation is essentially a seal of approval for quality nursing care. Magnet designated hospitals demonstrate improved patient outcomes, promote patient satisfaction and recognize the value of nursing. Reported outcomes include:
- Attracting high-quality nurses, physicians, and other healthcare providers;
- Fostering positive working relationships;
- Enhancing pride and job satisfaction for all employees;
- Strengthening nursing recruitment and retention; and,
- Expanding the consumer base and competitive edge.
Achieving Magnet designation is an arduous process requiring organization-wide commitment.
In January 2006, there were 186 Magnet-designated healthcare organizations. As of April 2007, there were 242 hospitals nationwide, of these 18 or 7.4 % are in New Jersey. Less than 4.06% of hospitals have achieved this status.
Achieving Magnet recognition involves an initial one-page application of intent and a fee is incurred. The next step is submission of written documentation supporting how the Forces of Magnetism are incorporated into nursing services. This usually takes 12-24 months. However, the organization chooses the month (February, April, June, August, or October) and year for submitting the written documentation. (The applicant's request is subject to the availability of that date.) If your documentation receives a score in the range of excellent, a multi-day site visit will be scheduled. The process concludes with the final step- designation.
However, the process does not end here. Magnet designation is an ongoing work in progress and requires recertification every four years. Organizations are also required to provide annual reports and notices of significant changes to the ANCC Magnet Program Office.
Thinking of pursuing Magnet?
The Magnet process changes the culture of the entire organization. It requires the support of top administrators, nursing leadership and nursing and medical staff.
ANCC organization/applicant eligibility criteria includes the following items:
- The applicant must exist within a healthcare organization (may provide inpatient or outpatient care, based in the United States or internationally).
- A Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) that is responsible for the standards of nursing practice. Effective January 1, 2008, the CNO must have a Baccalaureate or Master's degree in nursing.
- American Nurses Association's (ANA) Scope and Standards for Nurse Administrators currently implemented throughout nursing.
- During the three year period prior to application, the organization must not have committed an unfair labor practice involving a nurse.
- Must be in compliance with all local, state and federal regulations and accrediting body standards, including the National Patient Safety Goals.
(Visit the ANCC website for a full explanation of eligibility requirements and the application process.)
First, your organization needs to look at the Forces of Magnetism and perform an initial assessment of your strengths and areas needing improvement. Additionally, this may be a good time to evaluate what resources are needed.
The 14 Forces of Magnetism that must be part of your organization's culture are:
- Quality of nursing leadership
- Organizational structure
- Management style
- Personnel policies and programs
- Professional models of care
- Quality of care
- Quality improvement
- Consultation and resources
- Autonomy
- Community and the hospital
- Nurses as teachers
- Image of nursing
- Interdisciplinary relationships
- Professional development
The ANCC Application Manual clearly defines each force, lists the expectations, components and sources of evidence.
Prior to performing a gap analysis, it is necessary to understand the importance of being honest in your assessment. Benefits of a gap analysis include:
- Educating the organization on the process of the Magnet Recognition Program®.
- Clarifying the phases of the appraisal process.
- Providing the assessment for readiness to meet the key components for evidence of success.
- Enabling the organization to develop a work plan to focus on weak areas to assure success after the initial application is submitted.
- Moving the organization (as a team) to successfully articulate its accomplishments for patient outcomes and staff success.
Some additional tips and tools as you navigate through the process include:
- Educate at all levels – Show each group how Magnet designation can benefit them.
- Organize for success – Designate a Magnet Project Coordinator, obtain information from the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI) and organize Magnet teams.
- Establish a budget – There are fixed costs related to Magnet recognition (e.g., application fee, site-visit appraisal fee, appraiser honorarium, site-visit fee, travel expenses for appraisers, participation in NDNQI database). There are also optional expenses that might include workshops, promotional materials, salaries and consultative fees.
- Develop timelines – Timelines should be realistic and based on your organization's level or readiness.
- Communicate!!!
Conclusion
Magnet designation is sometimes compared to The Joint Commission accreditation. Both focus on safety and quality of care and require an on-site survey that involves interaction with staff. Not to mention, both require continuous preparedness.
Although the road to Magnet designation is an arduous and continual process, achieving and maintaining Magnet status can only positively impact your Joint Commission preparation and also benefit your organizational culture as a whole.
References:
Magnet Status: A Guide for the Nursing Staff. HCPro, Inc. 2006.
McClure, Margaret, EdD, RN, FAAN, and Ada Sue Henshaw, PhD, RN, FAAN, Editors. Magnet Hospitals Revisited: Attraction and Retention of Professional Nurses. American Nurses Association. 2002.
"Magnet: The Standard for Quality Patient Care." DVD. American Nurses Credentialing Center.
The Magnet Recognition Program® Application Manual 2005. American Nurses Credentialing Center. 2005.
Turkel, Marian C., RN, PhD. Magnet Status: Assessing, Pursuing, and Achieving Nursing Excellence. HCPro, Inc. 2004.
For more information, please contact Jean Wadnik, RN, BC, MA at 609-514-1400 or via email at jwadnik@beslerconsulting.com.
Go to the current issue of BESLER eNEWS
|
|
