Purpose of the Magnet Recognition Program®
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) developed the Magnet Recognition Program® to advance three goals:
- Promote quality in a milieu that supports professional practice
- Identify excellence in the delivery of nursing service to patients/residents
- Provide a mechanism for the dissemination of “best practices” in nursing services
Our Kaweah Delta Journey
Linda Pruett, Chief Nursing Officer, shared her vision for nursing excellence and pursuit of Magnet Designation with nursing leaders and staff when she joined Kaweah Delta Health Care District in January 2005. First steps in our journey to excellence included implementing a Shared Decision Making Model, which continues to facilitate decision-making at the point of care and encourages nurses across the organization to lead where they stand. All registered nurses are invited to participate in Unit Based Councils (UBCs) to improve patient outcomes, nursing practice, and their work environment through data-driven decisions and innovations.
Next, nurses developed professional vision and philosophy statements reflective of their dedication to providing patient-centered care and commitment to professional excellence, collaborative communication, and promoting outstanding clinical outcomes. In addition, the Professional Advancement System for Nurse Clinicians was developed as a collaborative effort between nursing staff, nursing leadership, human resources, the Magnet Steering Committee, and Professional Practice Council. The advancement criteria incorporate Kaweah Delta values and goals, professional nursing vision and philosophy, as well as the Forces of Magnetism® established by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a framework for change in pursuit of nursing excellence. Nurses’ achievements are recognized and celebrated each year at the Nurse Banquet and through bonuses commensurate with their level of achievement.
The Magnet Champions Committee was convened in May 2008, consisting of staff nurses from patient care areas across the organization, a clinical educator, and assistant nurse managers. Led by Linda Pruett and Mary Laufer, Magnet Program Director, Magnet Champions represent and communicate organizational excellence through monthly meetings, medical staff partnerships, and teachable moments with peers.
The Theory of Human Caring, selected by nurses in 2007, was integrated through comprehensive education in 2009 to promote reflective practice and provide guiding principles to use as a model for care delivery. Caring Theory effectively aligns the nursing staff and leaders with the Kaweah Care shared vision for achieving outstanding levels of patient, staff, and physician satisfaction by providing personal, professional, and compassionate experiences for every person, every time.
We celebrated innovation in practice with the premiere of our Evidence Based Promenade, an exciting new feature introduced at the annual banquet celebrating Nurse Week on May 6, 2010. The event included poster sessions created to highlight new knowledge and best practice in nursing.
On July 29, 2010, we submitted our Magnet application document to the ANCC. We are proud of the collegial efforts this document represents, demonstrating the nursing and organizational excellence we are committed to at all levels throughout the organization. Our Journey to Excellence has challenged us to examine our practices and explore innovations, resulting in a stronger professional practice environment.
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