Definition and Importance of Magnet status
Magnet status refers to hospitals, which have well qualified nurse executives in a decentralized environment, with organizational structures that put emphasis on open and participatory management (Marquis and Huston, 2009). According to Barker (2005), a hospital with a magnet status normally has a high quality and satisfied nursing workforce in competitive markets. Magnet status is important as it enhances patient care and ensures the deliverance of high quality service, which is attributed to the strong leadership practices and qualified nursing team. Additionally, a magnet status is important as it attracts the best the professions in the medical field and ensures the maintenance of highest standards of nursing.
Summary
The Houston VA Medical Center received the Magnet Re-designation for excellence in nursing services given by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Emphasis needs to be placed on the fact that this medical center is the very first in the nation to receive the magnet status two times. Using the Magnet Recognition Program, healthcare organizations, which offer quality patient care and exhibit nursing innovations and excellence, can be recognized. This program facilitates the development of successful nursing practices and strategies on a global scale. The VA Medical Director notes that the Magnet Recognition has seen the nurses’ best work and has therefore rewarded their commitment. Patients may thus use the Magnet Recognition to identify hospitals where the level of care is of high quality and ensures nurses work in an environment where they can improve their professional career in nursing. The advantage of the Magnet Status is that hospitals are in a better position to recruit and retain nurses in the competitive market where there are nursing shortages.
Questions Related to Advanced Practice Nursing
- How does the magnet status help to promote adequate patient nurse ratios?
- What are some of the new approaches that hospitals can use to enhance their magnet status?
- What are some of the aspects of evidence based nursing practices that enhance magnet recognition?
References
Barker, A. M. (2005). Leadership competencies for clinical managers: The renaissance. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Marquis, B. L., & Huston, C. J. (2009). Leadership roles and management functions in nursing: Theory and application. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
