Posted on March 12, 2002 at 11:35 a.m.
BIRMINGHAM, AL — UAB Hospital has joined a very elite group of hospitals across the nation recognized as a nursing "center for excellence." The hospital was notified yesterday about its recognition as a Magnet hospital, a designation awarded by the American Nurses Association to fewer than 50 of the nation's 5,800 hospitals.
UAB is the first and only hospital in Alabama to earn the Magnet certification, and becomes one of only three Magnet hospitals in the southeast United States. Other hospitals in the nation with Magnet status include the Mayo-Rochester Hospitals (Rochester, Minn.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles), and the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (New Brunswick, N.J.)
"This is independent confirmation of something we have known for some time: UAB nurses are among the very best in the nation," says Martin Nowak, executive director of UAB Hospital. "Hospitals that attain Magnet status typically demonstrate lower patient mortality rates and high satisfaction rates among its patients and nursing staff. When Alabama residents turn to UAB for their care, they can be assured that their nursing care is second to none."
Magnet recognition is the culmination of a rigorous application process; UAB began its quest for certification in 1999. Applicant hospitals must demonstrate that they meet and exceed 14 standards of nursing practice and leadership as established by the American Nurses Association (ANA). Last month, inspectors from the ANA conducted an on-site inspection of UAB Hospital, where they visited every nursing unit and met with nurses, directors and administrators.
"Today's professional nurse must be adept at many disciplines," says Mary Nash, Ph.D., chief nursing officer and chief operating officer at UAB Hospital. "They must master increasingly complex medical technology and stay abreast of the rapidly growing body of medical information. They are entrusted with educating the patient about their condition, and providing emotional support to the patient and family.
"Magnet recognition is the 'gold standard' of our profession," Nash says. "It is an achievement that reflects the competence and dedication of our entire nursing staff."
Nash expects the Magnet certification to aid UAB's efforts to recruit and retain nursing staff, a critical advantage as hospitals compete for a limited supply of registered nurses.
The Magnet Nursing Services Recognition Program for Excellence in Nursing Service was established in 1993. It is the highest level of recognition that the American Nurses Credentialing Center can accord to organized nursing services in health care organizations. Goals of the program are to recognize excellence in nursing services and promote and disseminate successful nursing practices.