Will Magnet Save Nursing?

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) was established in 1991 as a separately incorporated entity of the American Nurses Association. It is the only national system for accreditation and approval of continuing education in nursing.The Magnet Recognition Program for Excellence in Nursing is based and administered by the ANCC. The program was based on research completed by nurse researchers in the early 1980s who identified the attributes of organizations that were able to recruit and retain professional nurses.The Magnet program identifies excellence in the provision of nursing services, an environment that fosters and rewards quality nursing, recognizes the management philosophy and practice of nursing services and the adherence to standards for improving the quality of patient care.

The Magnet designation means that the hospital has created an environment that supports nursing practice and focuses on professional autonomy, decision making at the bedside, nursing involvement in determining the nursing work environment, professional education, career development and nursing leadership. This can only be accomplished with the support and participation of all the departments and employees in the hospital that place patient care first and foremost in the mission of their daily work.

As of June 2008 there are 289 Magnet organizations in 45 states as well as New Zealand and Australia. Do you think Magnet designation actually effects the nursing shortage? When looking for a job does Magnet status matter to you?

(ANA, 2008)