Magnet Recognition for Nursing Excellence Offers Consumers Benchmark for Measuring Quality of Care
MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills has been designated a Magnet organization, the highest and most prestigious international distinction a health care organization can achieve for nursing excellence. Only about 8 percent of California hospitals currently have a Magnet designation.
The American Nurses Credentialing Center's Magnet Recognition Program® distinguishes organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence, providing consumers a benchmark for measuring quality of care.
"Achieving Magnet status is a testament to the professionalism, teamwork and commitment to excellence in patient care provided by our 600 nurses who are supported by 2,500 physicians, employees and volunteers," says Marcia Manker, CEO, Saddleback Medical Center.
Saddleback Medical Center is part of a select group of only 34 of California's 400 hospitals and 469 of the country's 4,600 hospitals earning this credential. Saddleback Medical Center's MemorialCare sister hospitals—Orange Coast Medical Center, Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach—have also achieved Magnet status.
Research shows that Magnet designated hospitals have higher percentages of satisfied nurses, lower nurse turnover, better clinical outcomes, increased patient satisfaction, greater nurse autonomy, and more responsive communications between nurses and their patients.
"This recognition is a tribute to our outstanding nurses," says Kathy Dawson, Chief Nursing Officer, Saddleback Medical Center. "This achievement demonstrates our nurses' values and dedication to continually pursuing the highest quality, most compassionate care for our patients, their families and communities we serve."
The Magnet evaluation process provides a framework for nursing practice, research and measurement of outcomes across several components to gauge an organization's nursing excellence. The evaluation process covers several components determined as essential to delivering superior patient care, including quality of nursing leadership, coordination and collaboration across specialties, and processes for measuring and improving the quality and delivery of care.
To achieve Magnet recognition, organizations must pass a rigorous, lengthy process requiring widespread participation from leadership and staff. This includes a comprehensive application process, patient care documentation, on-site visit, and review by the Commission on Magnet Recognition.