Abstract
Growing evidence indicates that the Magnet Recognition program fosters excellence in nursing services through the development of a professional nursing practice environment. This study of 470 staff nurses from both Magnet and non-Magnet settings supports other recent evidence that nurses in Magnet hospitals demonstrate significantly higher levels of job satisfaction. Findings in this study suggest that this degree of job satisfaction, along with higher levels of satisfaction with key elements in the Magnet work environment, have a positive link to retention. The findings of this study, along with recommendations for developing a professional nursing practice environment through use of the 14 Forces of Magnetism, are timely and applicable to nursing leaders seeking remedies to the national nursing shortage.