From press release

The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program for excellence in nursing services has again designated OSF Saint Anthony as a Magnet hospital. The first designation, lasting four years, was awarded in 2005.

“Magnet recognition is to nursing what a Lombardi trophy is to football…a gold medal is to the Olympics,” David Schertz, president and CEO, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, said. “To earn Magnet status once is a tremendous accomplishment and a great source of pride for our entire staff. To retain Magnet status for another four years really underscores the commitment of our Community of Caregivers to continually strive harder each day to meet the health care needs of those we serve.”

According to the ANCC, the leading nursing credentialing organization in the United States, Magnet designation is widely accepted as the gold standard of patient care. The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes excellence and professionalism in nursing. Applicants undergo an extensive evaluation, and members who are awarded Magnet status must continue to maintain rigorous standards as part of their four-year designation. To reapply for and receive Magnet status for an additional four years is confirmation of the hospital’s resolve to deliver the highest level of care in nursing today. Only 2 percent of hospitals nationally have achieved Magnet re-designation.

“We’re a better institution today because of our Magnet designation four years ago,” Paula Carynski, vice president and chief nursing officer, said. “It raised the bar on patient care and inspired all of us—nurses, physicians, professional and support staff—to strive to be even better. That’s what enabled us to become a Magnet facility in the first place. That’s why we continue to serve as a Magnet hospital today.”

Colleen Klein, Ph.D., Magnet program director at OSF Saint Anthony, explained that it becomes more and more difficult to achieve Magnet status.

“It has become more rigorous with higher expectations set forth, particularly for those hospitals seeking re-designation,” Klein said. “There is a need for us to share how we have made a difference with measurable outcomes while, at the same time, maintaining our strong culture and generating research.”