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Our Expert on LVHHN
Q: What is a Magnet hospital and what does it mean for my care?
About Our ExpertTerry Capuano, R.N., is senior vice president, Clinical Services, at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network
Q: What is a Magnet hospital and what does it mean for my care?A: The American Nurses Credentialing Center awards Magnet designation – the highest level of recognition for nursing excellence – to hospitals that create an environment where nurses can flourish in their profession and have a proven level of excellence in nursing care. The foundation for the program began in the early 1980s, during the national nursing shortage, when the American Academy of Nursing conducted research to answer the question: With so many choices, how are nurses deciding where to work? To find the answer, they asked nurses what was important to them and studied hospitals to learn why some succeeded in creating an environment where nurses want to work and continue to work. The American Nurses Credentialing Center used the results of this research to develop the Magnet Recognition Program, which identifies health care organizations that meet professionals’ high standards for nursing care and attract and retain – like a “magnet” – the nation’s best nurses. As a patient, the Magnet seal of approval helps you identify hospitals where you can expect to receive outstanding nursing care. Magnet nurses continue to grow professionally and are experts in their areas of care, such as cardiology or pediatrics. They use the latest technology, such as bar codes that help ensure you get the right dose of the right medication at the right time. Magnet nurses also conduct research to ensure the treatments you receive are the best for your condition. Studies show Magnet hospitals have higher patient satisfaction, better quality of care and effective nurse-to-patient ratios. Q: How common are Magnet hospitals?A: Magnet recognition is the highest honor an organization can receive for nursing excellence, and only four percent of hospitals in the country hold this honor. Fortunately, there is a Magnet hospital in the Lehigh Valley – Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. We’re the only Magnet hospital in the Lehigh Valley region. Q: What does it take to become a Magnet hospital?A: Earning the four-year designation status wasn’t easy. We first received it in 2002, and then reapplied in 2006. To receive Magnet redesignation, we submitted 5,000 pages of evidence and hosted a four-day visit from four Magnet appraisers, who studied our work environment, met our leaders and interviewed staff nurses. We demonstrated how we meet Magnet’s high standards for nurses, and how we’ve taken our care for patients to even higher levels over the past four years. This page last updated 3/31/08 08:10 PM
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