Abstract
With a nursing shortage upon us, hospitals are seeking American Nurses Credentialing Center's Magnet designation as a way to recruit and retain staff. This article outlines the steps involved in achieving this prestigious award. Emphasis is placed on the role nursing staff development plays in fulfilling Magnet standards and participating in the application process.
In a time of a nursing shortage fueled by an aging workforce and declining student enrollments, what is a nurse executive to do? Some are turning to the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Magnet Recognition program as a way to recruit and retain valuable nursing staff. The current Magnet program was established in 1993 and is an outgrowth of the seminal study (McClure, Poulin, Sovie, & Wandelt, 1983) conducted by the American Academy of Nursing. Magnet Recognition is the highest level of recognition that the ANCC can confer upon organized nursing services. The goals of the Magnet program are to identify excellence in the delivery of nursing services to patients, promote quality in a milieu that supports professional practice, and provide a mechanism for the dissemination of "best practices" in nursing services (ANCC, 2002). Achieving this award indicates excellence in nursing services, development of a professional environment, and growth and development of the nursing staff (ANCC). Currently, there are 85 ANCC Magnet-designated facilities in the United States and Europe. This article will explore the Magnet application process and highlight the role nursing staff development can play in achieving this designation.
Becoming a Magnet facility is a rigorous process that measures compliance with the 14 standards of the program. These standards are based on the American Nurses Association Scope and Standards for Nurse Administrators. They are divided into two major categories: standards of care and standards of professional performance. Each standard has multiple criteria associated with it. Upon reviewing the standards, educators will see the importance placed on formal education, orientation, staff development, and continuing education. Educational activities are highlighted in nearly all of the 14 standards with one standard dedicated exclusively to the educational efforts of the nursing leadership team.
There are several steps to the Magnet designation process. First, following the initial application fee, hospitals compile documentation that the facility does in fact meet or exceed the standards. Once compiled, the information is sent to the ANCC for a review process. Applications are reviewed to determine that Magnet criteria are met. After successfully completing the documentation phase, organizations move to the third step-the site visit. A final report is then prepared and sent to the commission on Magnet for the final determination. Once achieved, Magnet designation is valid for 4 years. An annual interim report to the ANCC is required after designation to ensure Magnet standards are still in effect at the facility.