Hunterdon Health Redesignated by Magnet Recognition Program for Nursing Excellence
At 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 20, 2023, over 100 Hunterdon Health employees gathered awaiting a phone call from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) – this phone call announced that Hunterdon Health received its fourth Magnet recognition, reinforcing a continued dedication to high-quality nursing practice. Only a select group of hospitals in the country achieve this honor. In fact, only 8% of all healthcare organizations in the United States have achieved Magnet status, but less than one percent have their fourth designation. Hunterdon Health also received five exemplary honors that focused on patient safety, quality and patient satisfaction. The Magnet surveyors noted that patients at Hunterdon Medical Center are treated by nurses with the utmost courtesy and respect. In order to achieve that exemplary, the commissioner said this clearly acknowledges that nurses and all employees are treated with courtesy and respect which translates into a positive and healthy work environment.
“Our Magnet journey recognizes Hunterdon Health nurses for their commitment to excellence. Achieving five exemplars that focus on patient safety and patient satisfaction reinforces our culture of caring which is at the heart of everything we do,” stated Patrick Gavin, President and CEO of Hunterdon Health.
The Magnet Recognition program, established by the ANCC in 1993, recognizes healthcare organizations that demonstrate excellence in nursing practice and adherence to national standards for the organization and delivery of nursing services. Magnet criteria go beyond the standard measures of nursing skill levels, training and performance to examine how hospitals strive to maintain high-quality nursing leadership, collaborative nurse and physician relationships, devotion to continuous quality improvement and opportunities for professional development.
To achieve Magnet status, a hospital must undergo a rigorous review process. Nurses and staff worked diligently to prepare a 2,000-page document that provided evidence of excellent nursing practices. Upon review and an excellent rating, the American Nurses Credentialing Center visited Hunterdon Medical Center for three days to validate that the document is lived out and practiced throughout Hunterdon Health.
“Being reaccredited and achieving Magnet status means that Hunterdon Health has created an environment that supports nursing practice and focuses on professional autonomy, decision-making at the bedside, nursing involvement in the nursing work environment, professional education, career development and nursing leadership,” explained MaryJo Loughlin, Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services. Loughlin added, “The high quality of nursing care required to earn Magnet status has been associated with direct benefits to patients including decreased length of stay, decreased risk of falls, reduced medication errors and lower infection rates. Quantitative evidence indicates that
Achieving Magnet status honors the excellence of nursing throughout Hunterdon Health and the importance of collaboration among all departments. Loughlin added, “We are so proud of this accomplishment. It provides validation of the exceptional care our nurses provide our community.”
If you are interested in joining this extraordinary team, visit https://www.hunterdonhealth.org/services/careers/nursing-careers.