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Credit: Mike Pew, Rush University Medical Center
Rush University Medical Center has received renewal of its Magnet status, the highest recognition given for nursing excellence. The designation recognizes Rush nursing staff for overall excellence and for providing the very best care to patients. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program first awarded Rush the four-year Magnet designation in 2002.
Fewer than 50 hospitals in the United States have received Magnet designation twice.
Hospitals that receive Magnet status are noteworthy for their excellence and innovation in nursing, and evidence suggests that organizations with these characteristics deliver better patient outcomes than non-Magnet organizations. Independent studies of Magnet hospitals have shown that they have shorter lengths of patient stays, higher rates of patient satisfaction, increased time spent with patients, lower patient mortality rates, and increased nurse retention rates.
"Receiving Magnet designation again is a testament that our nursing staff continues to provide the very best care to our patients," said Dr. Larry Goodman, president and CEO of Rush. "On behalf of everyone at the medical center, we congratulate the nursing staff on this tremendous achievement and thank them for the hard work they've done to earn it."
To earn Magnet status, organizations undergo a vigorous, multi-faceted evaluation. The Magnet appraisal team interviewed more than 350 members of the Rush staff and visited 37 locations, including all nursing units, during a site visit held from April 3 to 6.
The team evaluated Rush's nursing standards with regard to improving the quality of patient care, providing for patient safety, improving patient satisfaction, and improving the work environment in terms of reducing turnover. The review also considered patient complaints and Rush's standing with professional regulatory organizations.
Beverly Hancock, MS, RN, education/quality coordinator in the department of Nursing Systems headed the ten-member committee that prepared the 2,500-page application for the Magnet designation and accommodated the site visit. Representatives from each of the nursing units also contributed to the process, which began more than a year ago.
"To reapply for and receive Magnet status for an additional four years is confirmation of Rush's resolve to deliver the highest level of care in nursing today," said Hancock. "Retaining our Magnet status is a crucial part of fulfilling Rush's vision of being the medical center of choice in the Chicagoarea."
The concept of a "magnet" hospital for nursing services was initially developed in the 1980s and refers to institutions that attract and retain highly skilled nurses and foster an environment that promotes quality patient care. In all, a little more than 200 hospitals out of approximately 5,000 hospitals nationwide have been awarded Magnet designation since the program was formally established in 1993.
"Everyday our nursing staff demonstrates excellence in patient care with their expertise, compassion, and dedication," said Jane Llewellyn, DNSc, RN, vice president of nursing at Rush. "Magnet status gives patients another reason to choose Rush by showing them they can rely on our nursing staff for the high level of care they need."