Our nursing programs earn fourth-consecutive magnet designation
Top honor for nursing profession, only 41 hospitals have four in a row
Our UF Health Shands hospitals and programs have earned a fourth-consecutive Magnet designation from the American Nurse’s Credentialing Center. This is the nursing profession’s most prestigious national honor for excellence and only 41 health care organizations have received four consecutive Magnet designations. With just 8 percent of U.S. hospitals (out of about 5,500) earning the Magnet tribute, it’s the ultimate “gold standard” measure of nursing achievement.
This is tremendous recognition for our nursing teams and clinical staff led by Irene Alexaitis, D.N.P., R.N., NEA-BC, UF Health Shands Hospital chief nursing officer and Nursing and Patient Services vice president.
“This accomplishment is a tribute to the highly skilled, knowledgeable and caring nurses and staff,” Alexaitis said. “Our patient care teams are dedicated to achieving excellent outcomes through continued professional growth and development. I am extremely honored to work alongside such a committed team of professional nurses.”
UF Health Shands CEO Ed Jimenez said, “Hospitals and nursing programs that earn the Magnet seal are recognized among the best worldwide. Irene and our nursing staff achieve the highest standards of patient care and exceptional nursing practice and we are so proud of their commitment and accomplishments.”
The ANCC is a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association, and its Magnet Recognition Program features hospitals that provide the best in nursing care and a supportive professional nursing environment. Magnet designation is a benchmark measure that assures patients and consumers the recipients have met stringent quantitative and qualitative standards that define the quality of nursing practices and clinical care.
The application process includes comprehensive written documentation validated by site visits. The ANCC survey team visited UF Health Shands facilities in April and was impressed by the high standards of nursing practice, focus on quality care and patient-centeredness across our Nursing and Patient Services division.
According to the ANCC, “The Magnet Recognition Program provides a roadmap to nursing excellence, which benefits the whole of an organization.” This is true as our patients, their loved ones and our workforce benefit from collaborating with such a talented team of nursing care professionals.
Alexaitis and Jimenez also recognized Mary Beasley, B.S.N., R.N., NE-BC, UF Health Shands Hospital Nursing and Patient Services co-director of Magnet programs and special projects, and her team for their dedicated leadership.
“Magnet designation reflects consistent commitment over time to our patients and our nursing practice,” Alexaitis added. “Preparing to showcase our work to the ANCC site visit team takes a great effort and energy from our leadership team to galvanize our staff. We thank everyone who contributed to this wonderful event.”