Cedars-Sinai’s commitment to excellence in nursing is again being celebrated because the organization has earned its sixth-consecutive Magnet designation, widely considered the highest honor in nursing.
The first Southern Californian hospital to earn Magnet recognition in 2000, Cedars-Sinai has since maintained one of the longest-running Magnet designations in the nation. Cedars-Sinai is one of only 608 of the nation’s more than 6,300 hospitals currently holding a Magnet designation, determined by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program.
“Cedars-Sinai’s 23 years of Magnet recognition is the result of our institution’s daily commitment to excellence in human caring,” says David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing Executive, James R. Klinenberg, MD, and Lynn Klinenberg Linkin, Chair in Nursing, in honor of Linda Burnes Bolton. “We are incredibly proud of our commitment to outstanding professional practice, innovations, and values that drive our nursing care daily. This foundation of nursing excellence, combined with the support and collaboration of all our healthcare professionals, is the essence of what makes us a Magnet hospital.”
The Magnet recognition has proven beneficial to healthcare organizations, their patients, and their communities.
Research shows benefits include:
Higher patient satisfaction
Decreased mortality rates
Decreased pressure ulcers and falls
Improved patient safety and quality
Increased nurse retention and lower burnout
“Cooperation between medical professionals-nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and every discipline that touches patient care-is essential to earning Magnet recognition and building the environment that allows these principles to thrive,” says Anita Girard, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Nursing. “Cedars-Sinai is a Magnet organization because all our healthcare professionals are committed to excellence in human caring.”
Magnet recognition requires a rigorous process, demanding widespread participation from leadership and bedside nurses. The written application includes dozens of detailed stories demonstrating how nurses apply Magnet principles in their daily work.
The process also includes an on-site visit and the Commission on Magnet Recognition review. Organizations reapply for recognition every four years and submit documented evidence that staff has sustained and improved Magnet concepts, performance, and quality since its previous designation.
“We are among only a small number of medical centers to achieve six Magnet recognitions,” Girard says. “We’re a Magnet organization every day, committed to delivering outstanding care while developing new evidence-based practices that raise the standards for excellent care.”
The decision to award a Magnet recognition is based on empirical outcomes that reflect four elements: new knowledge, innovation, and improvements; exemplary professional practice; transformational leadership; and structure and policies that empower nurses to have an important say in decisions affecting their work.
“Magnet is the gold standard for nursing,” says Sarah Stepien, MPH, MSN, RN, CMSRN, NPD-BC, Cedars-Sinai’s Magnet Program Director. “The goal isn’t to earn an award, but to create a culture and environment that supports our nurses so they can deliver ‘Excellence in Human Caring’ to our patients and families who count on us.”
Magnet appraisers identified several key strengths of Cedars-Sinai Nursing:
MD-RN collaboration: The visiting team was especially impressed with the quality of the relationships and the obvious respect between Cedars-Sinai nurses and physicians, as demonstrated through many collaborations and partnerships.
Clinical nurse education: More than 93% of Cedars-Sinai nurses have a BSN degree or higher, and 82% are specialty certified.
COVID-19 response: In addition to staying agile to cope with changing needs and conditions as healthcare workers learned more about a novel pandemic virus, the quality of care never diminished, and nursing research contributed to better ways to care for COVID-19 patients as well as protect staff.
Geriatric care: Geriatric-focused programs with good outcomes, dedicated space, and leadership by nurse experts.
Nurse-led initiatives: Nurse-led quality improvement and research initiatives occur throughout Cedars-Sinai, leading to improved patient care.
“My catchphrase is ‘I’m proud to be a Cedars-Sinai nurse,’” Marshall says. “I’m especially proud of our nurses today for the incredible care and healing they provide shift after shift. We’re all proud to create an environment that puts our patients first and inspires us always to find new ways to make their care better.”
The Beacon Award for Excellence lauds hospital units that employ evidence-based practices to improve patient and family outcomes. The award provides gold, silver, and bronze recognition to hospital units that exemplify excellence in professional practice, patient care, and outcomes. Recognition is for a three-year term.
AACN President Amanda Bettencourt, PhD, APRN, CCRN-K, ACCNS-P, praises the exemplary efforts of the unit teams who achieved the Beacon Award for Excellence.
“During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Beacon units were truly a light showing the way forward, as these teams demonstrated an ongoing and steadfast commitment to providing safe, patient-centered, and evidence-based care to patients and families,” she says. “This achievement is not only a tremendous honor, but it also provides meaningful recognition of their efforts to achieve excellence in patient care and create a healthy work environment.”
Results from AACN’s most recent national nurse work environment study indicate that nurses who work in Beacon units and units obtaining Beacon recognition report healthier work environments and higher quality of patient care than nurses who don’t work in Beacon units.
Recipients of a gold-level Beacon Award demonstrate staff-driven excellence in sustained unit performance and improved patient outcomes that exceed national benchmarks. Silver-level recipients demonstrate continual learning and effective systems to achieve optimal patient care. Bronze-level awardees successfully develop, deploy and integrate unit-based performance criteria for optimal outcomes.
Sixty-six units received gold-level Beacon awards, the program’s highest distinction. Among the 2022 recipients, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Florida, had five units recognized with gold-level awards. Morristown Medical Center, New Jersey, had three units earning gold-level honors, with another two earning silver-level awards. University Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, also had five units receive Beacon awards in 2022 – three silver and two gold. Eight other hospitals had two units recognized with gold-level awards.
The only international hospital recognized in 2022 was Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, in Colombia, a first for the country. Three units at the hospital received silver-level Beacon awards, and a fourth unit earned a bronze-level award.
A total of 34 hospitals had multiple units honored with an award in 2022, demonstrating a system-wide approach to caring for acutely and critically ill patients and their families.
Twenty-nine units at 18 Texas hospitals attained Beacon status in 2022, the most for any state.
The University of Washington Medical Center-Montlake in Seattle has become the first hospital in the U.S. to earn seven consecutive “Magnet” designations for gold-standard nursing excellence, as defined by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
“I am so proud and honored to work with such a distinguished team,” said Cindy Sayre, Chief Nursing Officer at the Montlake campus. “Every nurse in the hospital was instrumental to this achievement, which recognizes the excellent care we provide to our patients every day.”
Sayre received notice on Nov. 16 of the unanimous-vote designation from Jeanette Ives Erickson, chair of the ANCC’s Commission on Magnet Recognition. The hospital, Ives Erickson said, has delivered exemplary care, in particular during the emergence of the COVID-19 epidemic.
“The good work that you did, not only within your own organization, but the rest of us benefited from … your sharing of policies and procedures, keeping nurses across the country informed. On behalf of a grateful nation, we want to thank all of you for paving the way through three of the most difficult years we have had in healthcare,” Ives Erickson told Sayre via Zoom.
Hospitals achieve Magnet recognition by having an outstanding clinical practice that results in better patient care, Sayre said, and for having protocols that empower nurses to be autonomous, to initiate change to policy and clinical care, and to advance into roles with greater responsibility. Magnet recognition is in effect for four years.
The designation serves as a recruiting tool, as well, Sayre added. “Nurses looking for employment can be assured that they’re going to be supported to practice at the highest scope of their license. It validates that we have supportive policies that help nurses.”
What is a Magnet hospital, and how does a hospital achieve Magnet status?
Magnet status is awarded to hospitals as a recognition of excellence in nursing. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) evaluates several criteria before granting this status.
High nursing involvement in decision-making and data collection in patient care delivery
Nursing access to the most current evidence-based information and application of this evidence
Nursing empowerment in influencing systemic practices to improve patient care and outcomes
Less Than 10% of Hospitals Achieve Magnet Status
Less than 10% of U.S. hospitals achieve Magnet status, and the price tag to the hospital for doing so can exceed $2 million. Magnet status is redesignated every four years, and about 5% of hospitals choose not to reapply. Only 86% of hospitals that achieve Magnet status are redesignated. Becoming a Magnet hospital can benefit hospitals by increasing insurance reimbursement and revenue and decreasing costs for things like hiring and training staff because Magnet hospitals tend to have better staff retainment. Advertising Magnet status may also improve the hospital’s standing within the community and attract patients who may have otherwise sought their health care elsewhere.
Why Wouldn’t a Hospital Maintain Magnet Status?
There are many reasons why a hospital may either not apply or not be redesignated as a Magnet hospital. Sometimes it is because the burdens of maintaining magnet status outweigh the benefits. Sometimes the hospital no longer meets the strict criteria for redesignation. For example, in 2006, UC Davis Medical Center was not redesignated as a Magnet hospital after labor issues and unrest raised concerns with the review board. It subsequently got its Magnet status back in 2014. Other hospitals have given up Magnet status because they needed to focus on other things like opening new facilities and didn’t have the resources to do both simultaneously.
What Happens if a Hospital Loses Magnet Status?
Depending on the circumstances, a hospital losing Magnet status can raise serious concerns for staff and potential applicants. This is especially true if the reason for the loss of status is related to labor problems. At some hospitals, there has been a feeling that the culture changed after Magnet status was awarded, and the hospital was not as committed to the cultural goals of the Magnet program as they were to the financial benefits of the designation. Research supports improved work environments and job satisfaction at Magnet hospitals vs. non-Magnet hospitals and supports hospitals’ efforts to maintain the high bar required to retain this status.
Where to Find a Magnet Hospital and Nursing Jobs
Are you looking for your next career opportunity? To find out if a hospital has Magnet status or search for a Magnet-designated hospital for employment, check out our Magnet showcase. Then, your next job can be waiting for you!
We’ll be at the 2022 ANCC National Magnet Conference® October 13-15 at the Philadelphia Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA. Stop by booth 2018. We look forward to seeing you there!
If you want to work at a Magnet hospital, here are points to consider before making a move.
What is a Magnet Hospital?
Magnet status is awarded to hospitals as a recognition of excellence in nursing. Hospitals are evaluated on several criteria.
Leadership that works to make sure that the organization is structured to lead the future of medicine
An organizational structure that empowers staff to grow and improve practice
Quality nursing staff and excellent professional practices, including communication between members of the medical team
Staff access to up-to-date knowledge and options for the implementation of new technologies
Excellence in patient outcomes and high standards of care
Hospitals spend millions of dollars during the application process to achieve Magnet status. The benefits to the hospital include decreased costs related to hiring and training staff and potentially increased revenues. In addition, studies have shown that Magnet hospitals have improved mortality and other care markers, so patient benefits include better outcomes and higher quality, safer care. For staff, working in a Magnet hospital means higher job satisfaction, less potential burnout, and increased professional development.
Why Work at a Magnet Hospital?
Nurses and other healthcare professionals choose healthcare as their career for caring for people and a love for lifelong learning. So you can see how Magnet status might appeal to nurses. Who wouldn’t want a job that empowers you to improve outcomes while having high job satisfaction and retention?
Questions to ask before accepting a job:
Who is the chief nursing officer, and do they have authority over staffing?
How do staffing ratios compare to national recommendations? How much input does the nursing staff have in staffing?
How often do nurses float to other units?
Does the organization mandate overtime? Can the nurses refuse to participate without repercussions?
How are time-off requests and holiday scheduling handled?
What does the staffing look like for support staff?
What are the opportunities for advancement within the organization?
How long has the hospital been awarded Magnet status? What ongoing efforts are they making to maintain their status?
How long has the Magnet coordinator been with the organization (frequent turnover in this position may be a sign that the hospital isn’t committed to the principles of the Magnet program)?
How does the organization handle conflict? If I have concerns, what is the process for voicing them?
How is the communication between nursing staff and administration? What about nursing staff and doctors?
What resources are available for ongoing clinical education? For example, can I get tuition reimbursement if I choose to get an advanced degree? What is the process for quality improvement in the organization?
What is the culture of the organization?
Nursing is fun and rewarding, but burnout in healthcare is at an all-time high, especially during the recent global health crisis. Finding a job with the right culture will help ensure your nursing career is long and enjoyable.
Where Do You Find Magnet Hospitals?
Are you looking for your next career opportunity at a Magnet hospital? Check out our Magnet showcase. Then, your next job can be waiting for you!
We’ll be at the 2022 ANCC National Magnet Conference® October 13-15 at the Philadelphia Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA. Stop by booth 2018. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Magnet Recognition award was developed in the 1980s by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to highlight standout healthcare organizations that strive for nursing excellence. The Magnet Model recognizes nursing achievements, quality patient care, and innovative thinking within the practice of nursing care.
Magnet Hospital Practices
There are many benefits to the Magnet Model when used within hospital practices — not only for nursing staff but also for patients. All Magnet hospitals earn this award when they become certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). When a hospital demonstrates that its patients receive high-quality care, it is due to superior nursing leadership, patient outcomes, coordination, collaboration across specialties, and implementation processes that measure and improve the delivery of care.
More than 570 Magnet hospitals worldwide are publicly recognized for their consistent efforts in providing quality care to patients. The hospitals that achieve this recognition must meet the foundational elements of the Magnet model, which include structural empowerment, exemplary practice, transformational leadership, innovation, and improvements. These foundational elements promote collaboration and teamwork, continual improvement, and a culture that awards nursing excellence.
Shared Decision-Making in Nurse Leadership
When hospital nursing leaders implement the Magnet model into their everyday tasks and culture, it creates an environment of shared decision-making. Nursing teams are encouraged to meet daily with support from their Chief Nursing Officer rounding on units. Due to open communication and more face-to-face time with leadership, nurses can learn about and develop skill sets to improve patient outcomes in all units. Nurses at Magnet hospitals are offered continued advancement in their education and skills, which leads to better work conditions and culture. Overall, this method benefits the patients at each Magnet hospital and results in less nursing turnover and a safer environment.
Advancement Programs Within the Magnet Model
To recruit and retain the best medical professionals in the nursing field especially, hospital leaders must encourage and foster the growth in advancement programs within the Magnet model. Incorporating this model into the hospital system mobilizes leaders and enables different leadership styles to thrive. In addition, nursing leaders are encouraged to inspire their nursing staff within the Magnet model to recognize their true potential in the healthcare field of nursing.
A Magnet model supports highly educated nursing staff and leaders with advanced training to stay updated with the latest healthcare initiatives. When the nursing staff is supported in increasing their education, it, in turn, creates an advancement program and promotions. As a result, the Magnet model hospitals are equipped to develop and transform leaders from entry-level nurses to senior-level managers and future Chief Nursing Officers.
Overall, the Magnet model has shown that, when implemented in the hospital setting, it can improve not only the nursing leadership team, employee retention, and decision-making but also the quality of patient outcomes — which is a win-win for everyone.
We’ll be at the 2022 ANCC National Magnet Conference® October 13-15 at the Philadelphia Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA. Stop by booth 2018. We look forward to seeing you there!
