The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) honored Reading Hospital on August 17 with Magnet® recognition, the most prestigious distinction a healthcare organization can receive for nursing excellence and quality patient outcomes. Reading Hospital is proud to join an elite group of 441 hospitals worldwide and 27 Pennsylvania hospitals that have received this honor.
ANCC's Magnet Recognition Program honors healthcare organizations that are dedicated to nursing excellence, professionalism and patient-focused care. Magnet designation indicates to patients that the hospital offers a safe environment with excellent patient outcomes, and it indicates to nurses and physicians that it is a top-quality place to practice.
The Magnet application process is rigorous and includes submitting extensive documentation to ANCC as well as participating in a site visit to validate that the organization has created a sustainable culture of excellence. Reading Hospital submitted its documentation in February 2016 and hosted an ANCC site visit in mid-July.
"We are proud to have achieved Magnet recognition," said Mary Agnew, Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer, Reading Hospital. "We have tackled complex issues with laser focus on putting our patients and families first. This recognition signifies the commitment to excellence that we strive to achieve every day for our patients and our community."
Research shows that Magnet hospitals achieve a high level of patient satisfaction and patient safety; foster a collaborative work environment; and attract and retain top talent because nurses and physicians want to work in a healthy and engaging environment.
Reading Hospital achieved Magnet recognition with the unwavering support of health system and hospital leaders, board members, physicians, and departments throughout the hospital.
"The hospital has embraced the Magnet model as the best way to systematically and comprehensively improve outcome excellence," Agnew said. "It has become an integral part of the way we operate, and our patients and the community benefit from that focus every day."