Akron Children’s earns rare fifth Magnet designation for nursing excellence
05-04-2026 (Akron, Mahoning Valley, Ohio)
Akron Children’s has earned Magnet recognition for the fifth time – an elite distinction achieved by fewer than 2% of hospitals nationwide – recognizing sustained excellence in nursing and patient care.
The honor, awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, is the highest national recognition for professional nursing practice and reflects an organization’s commitment to quality, safety and patient outcomes.
“Earning Magnet recognition five times places us among a very small group of hospitals nationwide,” said Chris Young, chief nursing officer at Akron Children’s. “It reflects the consistency, teamwork and commitment our teams bring to every patient and family, every day.”
Organizations must reapply for Magnet recognition every four years, demonstrating continued adherence to national standards and measurable improvements in patient care.
At Akron Children’s, that commitment is reflected in innovations like its Virtual Nurse Care Model, now implemented across five inpatient units. The program has helped improve patient experience and safety, with patient trust in nursing rising significantly on several units and falls with injury reduced to zero for multiple consecutive quarters. Nurse engagement has also increased following the model’s rollout.
Achieving redesignation is a rigorous, multiyear effort requiring extensive documentation, performance data and an on-site evaluation of nursing practices and outcomes.
“This recognition reflects the extraordinary work of our nurses and the many collaborative teams across Akron Children’s who show up for kids and families every day,” Young said. “It also speaks to the strength of our interprofessional teams – clinicians, support staff and operational partners – working together to deliver safe, high-quality care.”
Research has shown that Magnet-recognized organizations often see:
- Higher patient satisfaction with nurse communication and care
- Lower mortality rates and improved patient safety outcomes
- Higher nurse engagement and retention
“We’re a better organization today because of the Magnet recognition we first achieved in 2007,” Young said. “Magnet recognition challenged us to deepen our approach to family-centered care, ensuring patients and their loved ones are involved at every step. It’s a standard that continues to shape how we care for our community and reinforces Akron Children’s role as a leading pediatric healthcare provider in the region.”
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About ANCC’s Magnet Recognition Program
The Magnet Recognition Program, administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, recognizes health care organizations that demonstrate excellence in nursing practice and patient care. It is considered the gold standard for nursing excellence and provides a benchmark for consumers evaluating quality of care. For more information, visit www.nursingworld.org/magnet.
