Achieving Magnet Status and Change
In the twentieth century the medical field has seen many changes. One way that hospitals and nursing specifically has changed and implemented the changes is by pursuing accreditations, awards, and recognitions. The purpose of this paper is to understand Magnet Status and the change required by hospitals to achieve it.
Overview of Magnet Status
The history of Magnet Status began in 1992. The American Nurse Credentialing Center first developed of the idea of Magnet Status after extensive research studies were perform during the nursing shortage of the 1980’s. The goal was to find out why some hospitals were able to retain and even recruit nurses during the shortage. It was found that of the 165 hospitals that participated, 41 shared seven core attributes. (Chaffee, Leavitt, & Mason, 2007) These seven attributes were the beginning of what have become the fourteen forces of Magnetism. The attributes or forces are based on nursing standards of care. That is the ability of the hospitals, working with the nursing staff to provide the excellent nursing care. That is care for the patient as well as the nursing staff and the hospital as a whole. The programs first awarded Magnet status in 1994. Since then several hundred have reached Magnet Status with several hundred more in the application process. In 2001 the first international hospital was awarded Magnet status. As with the medical field and even nursing all things must change, this includes the Magnet Program. In 1996 the standards and requirements along with the name evolved and changed. The program became known as the Magnet Recognition program for excellence in Nursing Service with requirements moving from internal review to pu...
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...at nursing is one of the most important areas a hospital needs to address when looking to improve safely outcomes. While many still question the need as well as the cost there is no question the benefit to staff and patients of hospitals that are Magnet Recognized. With this designation reaching international standing many more are looking to join the elite Magnet club.
References
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American Nurse Association. 2010. Retrieved April 2011, from American Nurse Credentialing Center: http://www.nursecredentialing.org/Magnet/ProgramOverview/ForcesofMagnetism.aspx
Chaffee, M., Leavitt, J., Mason, D. (2007). Policy & Politics in Nursing and Health Care. St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier.
Russell, J. (2010).Journey to Magnet: Cost vs. Benefits. Nursing Economic$, 28(5):340-342
There is a shortage of all health care professions throughout the United States. One shortage in particular that society should be very concerned about is the shortage of Registered Nurses. Registered Nurses make up the single largest healthcare profession in the United States. A registered nurse is a vital healthcare professional that has earned a two or four year degree and has the upper-most responsibility in providing direct patient care and staff management in a hospital or other treatment facilities (Registered Nurse (RN) Degree and Career Overview., 2009). This shortage issue is imperative because RN's affect everyone sometime in their lifetime. Nurses serve groups, families and individuals to foster health and prevent disease.
Magnet Status is a credential of organizational acknowledgment of nursing superiority((Nursing world). It is given to hospitals that have satisfied the requirements intended to determine the quality and strength of their nursing (Nursing World). The magnet status award is given to hospitals by the American Nurses' Credentialing Center, which is an associate of the American Nurses Association (The truth about nursing, 2012). This award was started in 1990 as a way to recognize hospitals that offer outstanding nursing care(Hopkins Medicine). Since 1990, out of all 7,569 hospitals in the united states, only 258 of those hospitals have received the honor of magnet status (Hopkins Medicine). Magnet status does not come easy, so hospitals must work very hard in order to meet the strict requirements (Hawke, 2003). Magnet status is a
The magnet recognition program began in the early 1980s as a stride towards promoting nurse retention in the United States. Administrators, directors, staff nurses, and hospital administration gathered together to discuss the essentials of hospital designation. The original research, gathered in 1983, was targeted to identify successful nurse retention. In 1993, the ANCC approved the standards set forth in previous research to become standardized utilizing the forces of magnetism. The 14 characteristics described by the ANCC as “forces of magnetism” define the structure of excellence within the healthcare environment. McClure & Hinshaw (2002), describe the following 14 characteristics that attract and retain nurses to magnet hospitals: “Quality nursing leadership, organizational structure, management style, personal policies and programs, professional models of care, quality of care, quality improvement, consultation and resources, autonomy, community and health organization, nurses as teachers, image of nursing, interdisciplinary relationships, and professional development”.
Longest Jr., B.B (2009) Health Policy making in the United States (5th Edition). Chicago, IL: HAP/AUPHA.
American Nurses Credentialing Center. (2011). American Nurses Credentialing Center. Retrieved July 19, 2011, from http://www.nursecredentialing.org/Magnet/Magnet-CertificationForms.aspx
Magnet status is an award given by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center (ANCC) an affiliate of the American Nurses Association (ANA) to hospitals that meet Magnet status criteria. Upon analysis of the history, concepts and theories which drive Magnet status, and reactions to Magnet status by various professionals, one will see that the Magnet Recognition Program awards an extremely positive accreditation that improves nursing, hospitals, and community image.
The history of nurses hadn’t developed until the nineteenth century. The first law was passed to require that nurses attain a license in 1938. After passing this law, the New York State began a movement to have certain programs to promise new standards in the field. Since the first schools were opened the training and criteria has changed tremendously. Education standards for nurses have improved in many different ways. Programs are an option throughout the country, and there are laws to back up the qualification and training standards for licensure. The nursing field is an important role as a part of the health care team, and can benefit one is so many ways. The history of nurses has changed from being a minor occupation to a major one. In today’s society people rely on nurses, doctors, and specialists more than ever. Nurses have brightened our future in the most beneficial way (Hopke 592).
Routson, J (2010) Healthcare Reform and Nursing: How the New Legislation Affects the profession; HEALTHeCAREERS.com. Retrieved, September, 16, 2011 from: http://www.healthecareers.com/article/healthcare-reform-and-nursing-how-the-new-legislation-affects-the-profession/158418
Nursing is a field of work that so many people find themselves fascinated with, as well as harboring a degree of respect. We look to nurses with a sense of admiration and reverence, and look to them for security in times of need. What makes nursing such a desirable and enthralling field to other people? Despite the fact that doctors are normally under the spotlight, nursing is of profound importance in American culture. Nurses provide comfort and security, as well as a knowledge of medical aid. The field of nursing has the benefit of coming from a field that is ancient, yet timeless and has blossomed throughout history to make a large impact on our culture today.
Nurses are at the forefront of the healthcare system and therefore must actively engage in policies that impact the healthcare system. DNP graduates can initiate the process of change by pointing out potential problems within the healthcare delivery system and spearheading legislation through lobbyists and nursing organizations. Nurses should be the middle-man between patients and policy makers. Patient advocacy has been part of nursing for a long time. Zaccagnini and White (2014) highlighted how Florence Nightingale advocated for the British soldiers’ poor living conditions during the Crimean war once she recognized the connection between policy makers and public health. Local, national and global nursing organizations provide ways for nurses to voice issues and concerns that affect public health welfare. In the United States of America, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Council of State Board of Nursing(NCSBN) can be used as a platform to raise awareness and concerns for public health and
Since the 1990’s, the interest in nursing and the profession as a whole has decreased dramatically and is still expected to do so over the next 10-15 years according to some researchers. With this nursing shortage, many factors are affected. Organizations have to face challenges of low staffing, higher costs for resources, recruiting and reserving of registered nurses, among liability issues as well. Some of the main issues arising from this nurse shortage are the impact of quality and continuity of care, organizational costs, the effect it has on nursing staff, and etc. However, this not only affects an organization and community, but affects the nurses the same. Nurses are becoming overwhelmed and are questioning the quality of care that each patient deserves. This shortage is not an issue that is to be taken lightly. The repercussions that are faced by both nurses and the organization are critical. Therefore, state funding should be implemented to private hospitals in order to resolve the shortage of nurses. State funds will therefore, relieve the overwhelming burdens on the staff, provide a safe and stress free environment for the patient, and allow appropriate funds needed to keep the facility and organization operational.
In order to practice as a nurse in the United States a passing score on the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse after attending a certified nursing program is mandatory (Dyess & Sherman, 2009). After completion of this prerequisite, nurses are licensed and expected to have the same general knowledge of all other nurses. A study done by the Advisory Board Company showed that only 10% of hospitals feel that their new graduate hires are fully equipped to offer secure care (Dyess & Sherman, 2009). Currently 10% of nurses working in an acute care atmosphere are recent graduates (Dyess & Sherman, 2009). Recently the notion that newly graduated nurses are not fully prepared to enter the working force has raised c...
Some aspects of the nurse’s job have been made easy and facilitated with the aid of other well trained professionals within their working environments. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA) (2012), registered nurse’s performance has greatly improved over the years as a result of their coordination and partnership with the health care system with other health care providers. As a result, registered nurses are today seen to occupy important leadership positions in the healthcare system and they participate when they are making decisions for patients as well as for other
RNs are on the top of the list of jobs open in health care, and are also in the top ten to have open jobs (Damp). In the US there are approximately 3.1 million RNs; they make up about seventy percent of a hospital staff. Nurses aren’t only women now; statistics have shown that the amount of men in the nursing field is growing (Cardillo). Nursing is expected to be in a higher demand in cities, and small areas. It is expected for it to grow twenty-six percent in the next few years ("Degree Programs for Registered Nurses”). Facilities are never over staffed; nursing jobs will always be
The requirement for excellent nursing skills is added as well as well-formed skills in different aspects. Because of the high demand for excellent nursing care, the IOM has declared the recommendations for the future of nursing. It is very fascinating the most of the universities are having online courses for nurses to get their higher education, while nurses are struggling between the work and home. Currently, most of the hospitals in the United States are moving towards magnet status, which requires higher educated nurses. In this situation, it is a blessing for nurses to attain their higher education through online courses even for associate RNs to become BSN.