PPMC achieves Magnet status from ANCC for superior patient care

American Nurses Credentialing Center unanimously grants highest nursing credential to nursing staff

Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (PPMC) has achieved Magnet- status - the highest institutional honor awarded for nursing excellence - from the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program. One of only 23 Magnet hospitals in Pennsylvania, PPMC's achievement was granted unanimously by the ANCC's Commission on Magnet. The status recognizes the quality of the hospital's faculty and staff, and the dedication to reinforcing a culture of excellence. Faculty and staff at PPMC have been working toward achieving Magnet status for four years - a process which culminates in a rigorous review to demonstrate the hospital's commitment to sustaining nursing excellence, improving professional practice, and transforming the culture of a work environment.

"We are incredibly honored to be recognized by the ANCC as a Magnet hospital," said Mike Becker, chief nurse officer, PPMC. "The achievement is something the entire staff can take pride in, because it truly was a group effort. I know we wouldn't be here, celebrating this extraordinary accomplishment, without the incredible support and assistance from every member of PPMC's faculty, staff and administration."

Achieving Magnet status is one of the highest achievements a hospital can achieve in the world of professional nursing. Less than seven percent of hospitals in the nation are designated Magnet hospitals. To create a culture of excellence that meets the requirements outlined by the Magnet Recognition Program and provides first-rate quality of care to patients and their families, PPMC leadership and staff implemented a strong shared governance model, a culture of patient safety through the use of Unit-based clinical leadership teams, and a solid commitment to continuing education and nursing specialty certification.

"Providing a superior standard of care to every patient is a hospital-wide effort, and something in which we take a great amount of pride," said Bill Hudson, magnet program director, PPMC. "There's not one person at PPMC who didn't lend a tremendous amount of support and effort to the Magnet process. We are thrilled to be recognized for delivering the essentials of nursing excellence, which is dependent on a collaborative professional environment that always puts patient care first."

Magnet recognition has become the gold standard for nursing excellence, for which hospitals must reapply every four years. The recognition is based on adherence to Magnet concepts and demonstrated improvements in patient care and quality.

"We've seen very tangible changes in the way our hospital operates as a result of the Magnet team's efforts to create the superb level of care our patients receive every day," said Michele Volpe, chief executive officer, PPMC. "I am so impressed by the level of commitment our nurses, faculty and staff have dedicated toward this journey to Magnet. We know the bar will be raised when we reapply for our redesignation in a few years, but given the amount of support and the tireless work that so many have given over the last few years, I know we'll be ready."

Magnet recognition is the latest accolade for the faculty, staff and administration at PPMC. Earlier this week, the hospital was recognized as one of the nation's top 100 hospitals by Thomson Reuters, an honor that represents the positive impact that the organization provides to the community.