“What is the Magnet Recognition Program under which Plaza Medical Center is currently seeking recognition?”

The program is administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the nation's largest and foremost nursing accrediting and credentialing organization. Magnet designation is the ANCC’s highest level of recognition for sustained excellence in nursing care.

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“How many hospitals have earned Magnet designation?”

Magnet designation carries tremendous prestige. Fewer than 300 of the nation’s nearly 6,000 acute-care facilities currently hold the designation.

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“What are the criteria for Magnet designation?”

The Magnet application submitted by Plaza documents the fulfillment of more than 60 separate criteria, including:

• Nursing practice is based on a sound foundation of academic and experiential knowledge
• Standards for improving the quality of patient care are faithfully adhered to
• Attention to the diversity of patients, their significant others and the care providers in the system
• Leadership by the chief nursing officer in supporting professional practice and continued competence of nursing personnel

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“What does the Magnet review process entail?”

The ANCC Magnet Commission’s review of an application is performed by a team of appraisers. At least two members of the team work independently to examine the five binders of written documents. If each appraiser’s score on the Organizational Review and Magnet criteria testifies to a high level of excellence, an on-site appraisal is scheduled. The purpose of this two- to three-day visit is to verify the documentation already received, and to assess firsthand the nursing practice environment. The application then goes to the full Magnet Commission for consideration and voting.

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“Does Magnet designation expire?”

Magnet status is awarded for a four-year period. An interim report must be filed every year. A comprehensive renewal application must be completed at the end of each designation period to retain Magnet status.

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“What would Magnet recognition mean for Plaza Medical Center?”

Magnet status would signify a continued commitment on the hospital’s part to delivering superior patient care. Recent research on Magnet hospitals has shown a significant relationship between nursing and patient outcomes, including mortality and patient satisfaction.

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