Akron Children’s achieves Magnet® Recognition for 4th Time

Magnet recognition is a testament to high-quality nursing practice.

10-29-2021 (Akron, Mahoning Valley, Ohio)

Akron Children’s has attained Magnet recognition again, a testament to its continued dedication to high-quality nursing practice. The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program® distinguishes health care organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence. This credential is the highest national honor for professional nursing practice.

“Receiving Magnet recognition for the fourth time is a great achievement as it demonstrates Akron Children’s provides the very best patient care in a high quality, safe environment that supports professionalism in nursing,” said Chris Gessner, president and CEO of Akron Children’s. “Fewer than 2 percent of hospitals have achieved Magnet four times. It’s an honor we can all take pride in and celebrates the excellent work of our nurses who come together to make a difference for kids.”

Research demonstrates that Magnet recognition provides specific benefits to health care organizations and their communities, such as:

• Higher patient satisfaction with nurse communication, availability of help and receipt of discharge information.
• Lower risk of 30-day mortality and lower failure to rescue rates.
• Higher job satisfaction among nurses.
• Lower nurse reports of intentions to leave their positions.

“I am particularly proud that we were able to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to patient and family-centered care during a global pandemic, including the recent surge in local pediatric Covid-19 cases and staffing challenges,” said Christine Young, chief of hospital-based services and chief nursing officer for Akron Children’s.

Magnet recognition is the gold standard for nursing excellence and is a factor when the public judges health care organizations. U.S. News & World Report’s annual showcase of “America’s Best Hospitals” includes Magnet recognition in its ranking criteria for quality of inpatient care, noted Young, who holds the Grace Wakulchik Endowed Chair for Nursing.

The Magnet Model provides a framework for nursing practice, research, and measurement of outcomes. Through this framework, ANCC evaluates applicants across a number of components and dimensions to gauge an organization’s nursing excellence.

The foundation of this model comprises various elements deemed essential to delivering superior patient care. These include the quality of nursing leadership and coordination and collaboration across specialties, as well as processes for measuring and improving the quality and delivery of care.

To achieve Magnet recognition, organizations must pass a rigorous and lengthy process that demands widespread participation from leadership and staff. This process includes an electronic application, written patient care documentation, an on-site visit, and a review by the Commission on Magnet Recognition.

Health care organizations must reapply for Magnet recognition every four years based on adherence to Magnet concepts and demonstrated improvements in patient care and quality.

Christine Young, chief nursing officer

To achieve Magnet recognition, organizations must pass a rigorous and lengthy process that demands widespread participation from leadership and staff. This process includes an electronic application, written patient care documentation, an on-site visit, and a review by the Commission on Magnet Recognition.

Health care organizations must reapply for Magnet recognition every four years based on adherence to Magnet concepts and demonstrated improvements in patient care and quality