A?fter submitting 2,000 pages of documentation and undergoing a scrupulous three-day site visit, Stanford was told Feb. 14 that it has joined 238 hospitals nationwide achieving prestigious Magnet designation for excellence in nursing practices and quality patient care.

In a column he wrote for the medical staff in July, chief of staff Larry Shuer said the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) gives Magnet designation to institutions that “demonstrate measurable quality standards in patient care and professional practice... Put simply, Magnet status reinforces a culture of excellence that I believe will enhance our nursing staff’s sense of pride and professionalism.”

(See chief of staff column):
http://med.stanford.edu/shs/update/archives/JULY2006/chief.htm

The Magnet Recognition Program arose out of a 1983 American Academy of Nursing study commissioned to “identify and describe variables that created an environment that attracted and retained well qualified nurses who promoted quality patient care.”

Stanford Hospital & Clinics is one of 10 hospitals in California to earn Magnet distinction, and only one of two in the state awarded the distinction so far this year. Across the nation, only 3 percent of hospitals have earned this honor.

Cindy Day, vice president for patient care services and chief nursing officer, said Magnet status will validate and further enhance some of the quality measures already in place, including:

Recognition of Stanford as a great place to work. The ANCC has reported that hospitals receiving Magnet designation consistently outperform peers in recruiting and retaining nurses.

An environment that is collaborative and structured to promote decision making at the bedside to provide optimal bedside care.

Improved patient outcomes. Day said Magnet recognizes Stanford’s successful efforts at improving patient outcomes through interdisciplinary collaboration — while motivating even more improvements.

Higher patient satisfaction.

Consumer name recognition. “As Magnet status becomes more known among the public, patients will gravitate increasingly to institutions that can offer this certification,” Day said.

National recognition. For example, Day noted that public ratings, including the U.S. News & World Report best hospitals survey take Magnet status into account.

Day said the professional site team reviewed extensive documentation and evaluated nursing practices, the work environment, and resources for patient care.

"We are proud of the Stanford nurses. It is an honor to be recognized as providing the very best in nursing care,” Day said.