MUSC Health-Charleston achieves third Magnet nursing designation

MUSC Health-Charleston achieved its third consecutive Magnet recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a nursing excellence designation that is only achieved by 10% of hospitals around the country. This recognition reflects MUSC’s commitment to professional growth, collaboration and high-quality care for all patients.

“Our nurses play a vital role in shaping patient outcomes, advancing research and driving innovation,” said Brenda Kendall-Bailey, DNP, R.N., chief nursing officer at MUSC Health-Charleston. “Earning Magnet recognition again reinforces the commitment of our entire health care team to provide the highest standards of care. This achievement belongs to our nurses and reflects their dedication to excellence every day.”

ANCC’s Magnet Recognition Program recognized MUSC in multiple accomplishments and four exemplary areas, including:

• A commitment to nurse well-being.
• A high percentage of care team members who are achieving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (87%) or professional board certifications.
• Registered nurses’ contributions to organizational goals.
• Increased employee satisfaction scores.

To achieve Magnet status, hospitals must complete a rigorous application process that includes detailed documentation of nursing excellence, innovation and patient outcomes. The application process is followed by an on-site visit and evaluation by the ANCC. The designation is awarded to hospitals that meet the highest standards in leadership, nursing practice and quality care.

Recently, Brenda Kendall-Bailey and Cheryl Jones, R.N., MUSC Health-Charleston Magnet Program director, sat down to explain the significance of the Magnet nursing designation.

Q. What is the significance for MUSC Health to achieve Magnet nursing designation?

Kendall-Bailey: Magnet nursing designation is the highest award that can be achieved in health care. In reality, it’s about achieving nursing excellence in staffing, training and skills – standards of care set forth by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a health care organization that focuses on all things nursing and nursing excellence. In summary, it is about excellence in patient care that’s provided by a skilled nurse force.

Jones: The ANCC recognized the first Magnet-designated hospital in 1994. To become designated, an institution must create a culture of excellence. This interprofessional award highlights a team of professionals that provides excellent patient care with excellent outcomes conducted in a positive, healthy work environment. As part of the criteria for Magnet designation, institutions must submit high Press Ganey nurse engagement scores. And with today’s environment, which includes a statewide and national nursing shortage, it is not an easy feat to accomplish.

Kendall-Bailey: What’s also been key is giving nurses a voice, allowing them to come together, and providing a healthy work environment and partnering with MUSC’s Chief Well-being Officer Heather Farley, M.D. MUSC was awarded a Magnet exemplar rating in this area – which translates to exceeding the ANCC benchmark or standard.

Jones: Appraisers were really impressed and awarded MUSC Health a Magnet exemplar rating. They were very impressed with the many resources available to nurses and care team members relating to employee well-being. That includes peer support, the Employee Assistance Program, the MUSC Wellness Center and other programs. What may work for one individual may not be as helpful to another, so there’s something for anyone. Promoting these services and resources is so valuable.

Q. For MUSC, this is the third Magnet nursing designation in a row since 2012. What does achieving nursing Magnet designation mean to you?

Kendall-Bailey: Prior to joining MUSC Health, I came from a hospital at the Ohio State University, and we were Magnet-designated. In a Magnet organization, many resources are provided to the nursing staff as well as giving them a voice at the table.

I’ve been a nursing leader for many years and sometimes I may not know the best solutions in a situation, so it’s invaluable to get input from experienced nurses. I think a team that is given a strong voice – nurse scientists, nurses who work at the patient’s bedside, ambulatory and perioperative areas and other support – sets us apart as a Magnet designated organization that values quality, patient safety and supports key resources needed to provide quality patient care. In summary, Magnet designation equals excellence.

Q. Is MUSC the only Magnet-designated hospital in South Carolina?

Kendall-Bailey: There are a number of organizations in South Carolina who have received Magnet designation.

Q. How often do hospitals need to be Magnet designated?

Jones: Magnet designation with the ANCC occurs every four years. There are a group of standards that an organization has to meet. And with most designations, the bar keeps raising.

Q. Other additional information?

Jones: Literature comparing Magnet Nursing organizations versus non-Magnet organizations concludes that Magnet organizations are able to attract and retain the top nursing talent. This is exactly who we want at the bedside taking care of our patients – the best of the best.

Nurses who are working at the bedside and work collaboratively with other care team members tend to be more engaged as well and that’s what we want. They want to be there, are very knowledgeable and can integrate with others on the team. We need nurses who can take evidence-based practice concepts and put them into practice at the bedside and that’s what our nurses do.

Having a Magnet-designated organization also provides a great partnership with our physician colleagues. During our Magnet site visit, we had a room of our physicians present who talked about different projects demonstrating collaboration and elevating nursing to a higher level through research and evidence-based practices with the publications. Having this partnership with our physicians and other care team groups, including leadership and faculty at the College of Nursing, is also invaluable.