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Awareness of the Magnet Recognition Program(TM) is increasing as health care organizations struggle with the challenges of recruiting and retaining professional nurses and benchmarking nursing-sensitive patient outcomes. Steps in the Magnet process include application, written documentation and evaluation, site visit, decision, and award. These steps are outlined in this article to inform and assist staff nurses in health care organizations that may consider seeking this designation. The more staff nurses know about the elements and process of the Magnet program, the more they can contribute to achieving this prestigious award for quality nursing care.
In the 1990s, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) of the American Nurses Association (ANA) established the Magnet Recognition Program(TM) (MRP; Magnet program). This innovative program identifies and rewards health care organizations that demonstrate (a) excellence in nursing services, (b) an environment that promotes and sustains professional nursing practice, and (c) an organizational system that supports the professional development of nursing personnel. This voluntary program of external professional nurse peer review focuses on the leadership and management of the nursing service system in conjunction with patient outcomes.
At this time of nursing shortage, the leadership in many health care organizations is considering the benefits of Magnet recognition for recruiting and retaining nursing personnel. Over 100 health care organizations in the United States and internationally have Magnet designation (ANCC, 2003a).
Many nurses have heard discussion about Magnet recognition within their health care facilities. Perhaps they want to participate in the Magnet process, but are uncertain about the requirements and ways they can contribute. In this article, the steps in the Magnet recognition process are outlined to help nurses fully participate in their organizations' decision-making and activities related to Magnet recognition.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants to the Magnet program may be acute hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, outpatient facilities, home care agencies, and hospice providers. Applicants must meet several criteria to be eligible for Magnet program application (ANCC, 2003b):
* The applicant nursing service must be within a health care organization.
* The nursing service department must include one or more settings with a single governing authority and one nurse administrator.
* Each setting must have a designated on-site leader, a baccalaureate-prepared registered nurse (RN), who is responsible for all nursing services at...