Loma Linda University Health has launched a multifaceted program designed to bring Magnet status to its clinical nursing program. Magnet recognition is the highest level of validation for nursing excellence and is granted to health care organizations by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Application to participate in the Magnet status program was submitted in mid-November.
“Magnet status is universally recognized as the ‘gold standard’ of excellence in patient care,” said Holly Yelorda, Magnet coordinator for Loma Linda University Health’s nursing administration. “Organizations that attain Magnet status are consistently able to demonstrate improved patient outcomes, higher staff satisfaction, and the ability to attract and retain top talent. Our executive leadership team is committed to pursuing Magnet recognition in keeping with our values, which include providing safe, patient-centered care and our vision to innovate excellence.”
The application submission triggers a two-year maximum timeline for Loma Linda University Health to submit a document to the ANCC that outlines how the organization’s culture, structure and processes exemplify Magnet standards. Once that document is submitted, ANCC will send a site-visitation team to evaluate Loma Linda University Health for Magnet designation.
The application outlined basic information about the organization, such as the names, positions and education of all nursing leaders within the institution, Yelorda said. It required information about the Chief Nursing Officers, such as name, educational background and vitae.
“We needed to demonstrate we have basic structures and processes in place that align with the magnet requirements,” Yelorda said. We needed to show that our nursing leaders sit in executive level positions of influence that impact organizational change beyond the scope of nursing. Further, that nursing is included in key decision-making groups, such as the Institutional Review Board. The application process looked at our framework as workforce at Loma Linda University Health, but the document submission process will flesh all of those areas out in specific examples that demonstrate excellence.
During the two-year application phase, nursing groups will identify and develop examples of Loma Linda University Health’s commitment to the components of the Magnet model — transformational leadership; structural empowerment; exemplary professional practices; new knowledge, innovations and improvements; and focus on outcomes.
“Our goal is to demonstrate a culture where interprofessional team members work together to support the organization’s plan for improvement and for first-class patient care,” Yelorda said. “The work happening at Loma Linda University Health involves more than just nursing staff. It involves all of the various patient care disciplines working together, along with administration, clinical support and ancillary support team members. Wherever nursing is impacted by the decisions of these groups and beyond, it means that nurses should be a part of that discussion.”
Information about Loma Linda University Health’s journey to Magnet status will be updated regularly on the One Portal’s Magnet page.