The Magnet Influence

I am doing a presentation on Tuesday, 2/19/13, to nearly 150 students at my school’s annual nursing forum.  My topic is the Magnet Recognition Program.  I would also like to share with you the information that I have learned while preparing for my presentation.  Let me share with you how the Magnet Recognition Program got started, the 14 forces of magnetism, and why I will work in a Magnet designated hospital when I am a nurse. 

Have you heard of the Magnet Recognition Program or Magnet status hospitals? 

Back in 1983, a time when there was an extreme nursing shortage, the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) conducted a study to identify characteristics of a work environment that attracts and retains well-qualified nursing staff.  They narrowed their findings to 14 qualities, and that is where the 14 Forces of Magnetism were first funded.

1.       Quality of nursing leadership

2.      Organizational structure

3.      Management style

4.      Personnel policies and programs

5.      Quality of care

6.      Professional models of care

7.      Level of autonomy

8.     Quality assurance

9.      Consultation and resources

10.  Community and the hospital

11.   Nurses as teachers

12.  Image of nursing

13.  Nurse-physician relationships

14.  Professional career development

In 1990, the AAN joined forces with The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the credentialing unit of the American Nurses Association (ANA).  They proposed a plan for the Magnet Hospital Recognition Program for Excellence in Nursing Services.  It was approved in December of that year. 

“Magnet status is not a prize or an award. Rather, it is a credential of organizational recognition of nursing excellence. “    (ANCC, 2013)

 

 

 

Benefits of Magnet Designation

·         Attract and retain top talent

·         Improve patient care, safety, and satisfaction

·         Foster a collaborative culture

·         Advance nursing standards and practice

·         Grow your business and financial success

Top 3 Reasons why I will work at a Magnet Designated Hospital

1.      Quality of Care

-         Quality is the systematic driving force for nursing and the organization. Nurses serving in leadership positions are responsible for providing an environment that positively influences patient outcomes. There is a pervasive perception among nurses that they provide high quality care to patients.

2.     Level of Autonomy

-         Autonomous nursing care is the ability of a nurse to assess and provide nursing actions as appropriate for patient care based on competence, professional expertise and knowledge. The nurse is expected to practice autonomously, consistent with professional standards. Independent judgment is expected within the context of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to patient/resident/client care.

3.     Professional Career Development

-         The health care organization values and supports the personal and professional growth and development of staff. In addition to quality orientation and in-service education addressed earlier in Force 11, Nurses as Teachers, emphasis is placed on career development services. Programs that promote formal education, professional certification, and career development are evident. Competency-based clinical and leadership/management development is promoted and adequate human and fiscal resources for all professional development programs are provided.

 

References

American Nurses Credentialing Center. (2013). Magnet recognition program. Retrieved from http://www.nursecredentialing.org/magnet.aspx