Memorial Hospital West Earns National Recognition for Nursing Excellence
In May 2007, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) awarded Memorial Hospital West one of the highest honors that a hospital can achieve: Magnet Designation for Excellence in Nursing Services.
The ANCC’s Magnet Recognition Program® recognizes quality patient care and nursing excellence. The program elevates the reputation and standards of the nursing profession. Magnet designated hospitals recruit and retain competent and well educated nursing staff. These qualities create a halo effect that can result in attracting high-caliber physicians and specialists, which leads to safe, quality care and increased patient and employee satisfaction.
What makes Magnet institutions so unique? In addition to their knowledgeable, skilled nursing staff, they have an environment that emphasizes:
- High-quality patient care
- Clinical responsibility
- Participatory decision-making
- Dynamic nurse leadership
- Strong physician-nurse relationships
- Two-way communication with all staff members
- Opportunity and encouragement for professional development
- Effective use of staff and resources
- High job satisfaction
- Community involvement
“Magnet Recognition is a tremendous achievement for Memorial Hospital West,” said Administrator Ken Hetlage. “It simply recognizes the excellent work our nurses do each day and reflects the commitment of our entire hospital staff to serve as a team, providing the highest quality care possible for the people of our community.”
The ANCC is the foremost nursing credentialing organization in the United States. Hospitals that apply for the ANCC’s Magnet designation must pass a rigorous evaluation that includes submission of written documents, an on-site appraisers visit, extensive interviews, and evaluation of nursing services. Memorial Hospital West’s Magnet status is valid for four years.