Newswise — (OAK PARK, IL) The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) announced today that Rush Oak Park Hospital has earned Magnet designation, the most prestigious distinction a healthcare organization can receive for nursing excellence and high-quality patient care.
Only 7 percent of the nation’s 5,700 hospitals have achieved Magnet status, and Rush Oak Park Hospital is one of only 54 similarly-sized hospitals (between 200 and 300 beds) in the world to earn this designation.
“Being one of only a few dozen hospitals our size in the world to achieve magnet status is a tremendous honor for our nurses and a clear message to our community,” said Bruce Elegant, Rush Oak Park Hospital’s president and CEO. “Evidence shows that Magnet hospitals have shorter lengths of patient stay, higher patient satisfaction rates and lower mortality rates. As more consumers compare quality of care, the Magnet badge of honor lets them know that they can expect unparalleled service and care at Rush Oak Park Hospital.”
Magnet designation recognizes Rush Oak Park Hospital’s nursing staff for overall excellence. “Organizations that achieve Magnet recognition are part of an esteemed group that demonstrates superior nursing practices and outcomes,” according to the American Nurses Credentialing Center. “Magnet organizations are recognized for superior nursing processes and quality patient care, which lead to the highest levels of safety, quality and patient satisfaction.”
To earn Magnet status, organizations undergo a vigorous, months-long evaluation. The Magnet team evaluated Rush Oak Park Hospital’s nursing with regard to quality patient outcomes; innovative, patient-focused initiatives; nursing and interdisciplinary efforts to improve patient safety; work and patient care environments; how clinical nurses are involved in decision making; professional development of the nursing staff; and efforts to reduce turnover. The review also included patient complaints, references and community perspectives. Receiving Magnet status demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to patient care, according to Karen Mayer, Rush Oak Park Hospital’s vice president of Patient Care Services. “It shows that we practice what we preach about providing outstanding care to our patients,” she said. “We’re so pleased that our nurses are regarded as the best in their field. It takes world class nurses to deliver world class care.” “With such a designation our nurses can take pride in the outstanding work they do and know that they are making a significant impact,” says Rachel Start, RN, MSN, director of the hospital’s Magnet program. “This is a badge of honor and much deserved by our exceptional nursing staff.”
The ANCC – an independently governed organization within the American Nurses Association – grants Magnet status, which lasts four years. In January, ROPH’s partner, Rush University Medical Center, received Magnet status for the fourth consecutive time.
The Magnet award for nursing excellence follows last Fall’s national award by the American College of Surgeons for quality surgical care.
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