When the American Nurses Credentialing Center developed the Magnet Recognition Program, administrators and managers recognized it as a visible way to demonstrate to increasingly knowledgeable consumers the excellence of nursing care in their facilities. Applicants must submit written documentation that reflects "the innovative, dynamic, excellence-focused features of the organization that are reflective of the forces of magnetism" (ANCC, 2003b). During the site visit that is also part of the application process, leaders are further challenged to demonstrate how their facilities are "nurse friendly." Surveyors often ask about their support of specialty nursing certification and about the number of certified nurses they employ. Developers of the Magnet designation recognize that certified nurses have demonstrated additional professionalism-an interest in self-development that often translates into practice excellence. If certified nurses are present in large numbers in a healthcare facility, that institution naturally develops a reputation for nursing excellence.

Certification is the real magnet designation, and a credential such as ONC should be attractive on several levels. First, it attracts excellent nurses who want to demonstrate their practice expertise. Although more employers now overtly recognize certified nurses, many ONCs took "that test" and maintained their certification to prove something to themselves. Their colleagues have also taken notice; ONCs have often told us that they are the recognized orthopaedic resources in their patient care settings.

Second, the ONC credential should be attractive to managers who want to hire the best possible nurses to staff their units during this worrisome shortage. The American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) surveyed attendees at a 2002 nursing management conference, and the results were not surprising. If all else were equal, more than 85% of respondents indicated they would hire a certified nurse over a noncertified nurse. Among the reasons for this choice were the nurse's proven knowledge base in specialty practice and the evidence of a professional commitment to lifelong learning. Aren't those magnetic qualities?

Finally, the ONC credential attracts administrators who know that the secret to a healthy bottom line lies in ensuring excellent patient care. In addition, the ANCC (2003a) notes, "Research documents that high quality nurses is one of the most important attributes in attracting high quality physicians." For leaders who want evidence of nursing excellence in their healthcare facilities, ONCB and NAON have partnered to offer practical assistance. Bundled pricing is available for many NAON productions that are used in examination preparation, and ONCB offers a discount to each examinee who registers as part of a group of five or more (additional information available from [email protected]).

Nurses must realize that they have the real magnet for nursing excellence when they hold the ONC credential.

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