University of Missouri Health Care recently started on the journey to achieve Magnet status, one more way our health system is demonstrating its commitment to clinical excellence.

The Magnet Recognition Program is administered through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA). It was established in 1990 and provides a method of recognizing hospitals that create and maintain a professional practice environment for nurses that ensures quality patient outcomes. The ANA chose the term "magnet" to describe a hospital's ability to attract and retain the highest quality nurses, but the award also draws patients.

The magnet program has 5 main components, including Structural Empowerment, Transformational Leadership, Exemplary Professional Practice, New Knowledge and Innovations, and Empirical Outcomes. These components serve as the framework for the appraisal process and attributes that exemplify excellence in nursing.

While the complete Magnet accreditation process can take up to 5 years or more, the benefits are substantial. Research shows Magnet designation attracts highly qualified physicians and specialists; fosters a climate that reinforces collaborative working relationships; and above all, improves patient quality outcomes by establishing standards of excellence which health care organizations must attain. According to a survey conducted by the ANCC, 93% of respondents indicated that knowing that a hospital has passed rigorous standards regarding quality of hospital nursing care would increase their confidence in the overall care provided by the hospital.

"University of Missouri Health Care is excited in its recently started journey to achieve Magnet status, as one more way our health system is demonstrating its commmitment to clinical excellence. We are proud of the nurisng care provided by our nursing staff and Magnet designation is one way we can publically recognize our staff for the care they provide." - Anita Larsen, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nurse Executive

University of Missouri Health Care's nursing community has begun the Magnet journey in pursuit of clinical and service excellence. We invite the medical staff and all members of the health care team to join us in meeting this challenge.

Our Timeline

University of Missouri Health Care expects to be able to apply for Magnet Designation in December of 2012. Meanwhile, work continues to design and shape the department of nursing into a magnet oriented organization where nurses are recognized for their contributions, supported in their professional and academic pursuits, and allowed to practice in a way that supports their professional ability.