Abstract
Hospitals across the country have been struggling with nursing shortages for more than 2 decades. Today, more than 126,000 nursing positions are vacant, according to the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and that number is expected to skyrocket as an aging population puts unprecedented demands on the nation's healthcare system. Through the Magnet Designation program established by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, hospitals around the country are finding creative ways to attract and retain quality nurses. At Poudre Valley Hospital, the program also has improved patient outcomes, boosted market share, and created an employee culture of teamwork, empowerment, respect, integrity, and caring.