St. Jude Children's Research Hospital receives ANCC's Magnet designation

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has received designated Magnet status by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC.) St. Jude is the first hospital in western Tennessee to receive this designation. Magnet status is the highest honor granted to nursing services, and only 7 percent of all U.S. hospital have achieved this recognition.

The Magnet Recognition Program® serves as a benchmark for patients to measure the quality of nursing care they can expect to receive at a hospital. The program was developed by the ANCC to recognize organizations that provide exceptional care and support of nursing practice.

The benefits to being a Magnet -recognized organization are numerous. National studies have found that hospitals achieving Magnet status have lower patient mortality, fewer medical complications, and better patient care outcomes.

"We are honored to be recognized as one of the top nursing programs in the country," said Pam Dotson, senior vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer. "At St. Jude, our nursing department's mission is to assure consistent quality nursing care to all patients and their families within a supportive practice environment that promotes employee growth, retention and teamwork."

"This is a celebratory time for our nursing department and its leadership," said Larry Kun M.D., executive vice president and clinical director. "Our nursing department exemplifies the finest in skills, dedication, and caring commitment, and it's because of the entire staff and their leadership's guidance we have received this recognition."

The ANCC Magnet Recognition Program recognizes healthcare organizations that demonstrate excellence in nursing philosophy and practice, adherence to national standards for improving patient care, leadership and sensitivity to cultural and ethnic diversity.

Hospitals undergo a rigorous evaluation that includes extensive interviews and review of nursing services, clinical outcomes and patient care. Magnet hospitals must provide an annual status report on their progress and must undergo re-evaluation every four years to retain the designation.

"In so many ways, nurses are the heartbeat of St. Jude. They do it all--from clinical care to research to informatics," said James R. Downing, M.D., St. Jude president and chief executive officer. "As integral members of the health care team, our nurses take pride in their profession and demonstrate a profound commitment that benefits every patient who comes to St. Jude. The Magnet designation recognizes our nurses' dedication to providing St. Jude patients with the highest quality of care."