Ashley Ried, MMHC, BSN, RN, Magnet program director, has been chosen as a Magnet appraiser candidate by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program.
Ried was among approximately 50 applicants selected from a nationwide pool of submissions.
Magnet designation is the highest honor a hospital can achieve for excellence in nursing care. Hospitals that attain this status undergo a rigorous review of patient outcomes, leadership, work environment and improvement practices.
As an appraiser, Ried will receive specialized training and will be responsible for assessing hospitals worldwide to determine if they meet Magnet requirements.
“Ashley’s achievements on being chosen as a Magnet appraiser candidate reflect her incredible expertise. As she steps into this role, her insights are going to strengthen the nursing community through elevating standards and inspiring others to pursue excellence,” said VUMC System Chief Nursing Officer Karen Keady, PhD, RN.
Magnet-designated centers exemplify the best qualities in nursing and attract skilled nurses who value having a voice in their practice. Ried’s first encounter with a Magnet facility was during her clinical rotations in nursing school.
“I had the privilege of conducting my clinicals in various hospitals and settings, one of them being a Magnet hospital. There was a noticeable difference in the level of care and engagement the nurses displayed — they truly had a voice in their practice,” said Ried.
“As a nursing student, I didn’t fully understand what set Magnet hospitals apart, but I knew then that I wanted to work in one.”
Her involvement with the Magnet program deepened throughout her career. After beginning her nursing journey at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, she worked as a night-shift nurse during the hospital’s second Magnet designation review.
During VUMC’s third Magnet designation, Ried’s role as manager of Nursing Quality at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt actively engaged her in the application process. She provided critical nursing quality data and helped develop sources of evidence for submission.
“I am incredibly passionate about amplifying the voices of nurses and sharing the remarkable work they do every day,” Ried shared.
Ried later became a member of the steering committee for VUMC’s third Magnet designation, leading efforts to guide the hospital through the site visit process. She was subsequently appointed Magnet program director for the fourth redesignation cycle at Monroe Carell, completing the full document submission and mentoring other program directors across the system on the submission and site visit process.
When Ried learned about the ANCC opportunity to become a Magnet appraiser, she eagerly pursued it and underwent the extensive submission and interview process before being selected for training as a candidate.
“I was thrilled to support Ashley as a Magnet appraiser candidate and am delighted that she will be representing Monroe Carell in this role. Ashley brings strong dedication to the profession of nursing to every role in which she serves. I know her impact in this latest endeavor will evidence the same commitment to excellence in practice and to the recognition of practice environments that allow nurses and patients to thrive,” said Gretchen McCullough, MSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer for Monroe Carell.
The training process can take between six to 18 months, including online and in-person components. All candidates also conduct a complete mock Magnet assessment of a facility currently undergoing review.
“Ashley’s selection by the ANCC is a powerful testament to her Magnet expertise, deep commitment to nursing excellence, and unwavering dedication to elevating the voice of nurses. She is a vital and inspiring member of our Magnet program director team, and we are absolutely thrilled to see her bring her passion for professional nursing practice to a global stage,” said Melissa McCoy, MSN, RN, director of Nursing Professional Excellence.
Magnet appraisers review hospital-submitted documents to assess process standards, and they conduct on-site visits. During these visits, they interact with nurses, leadership, physicians and community members to evaluate how the hospital’s practices impact patient outcomes. Appraisers then submit a report to the ANCC Commission on Magnet, which makes the final Magnet designation decision.
“I’ve worked with the Magnet organization in various capacities throughout my career, and it’s an incredible honor to be chosen for this role. I’m excited to meet nurses nationwide and possibly worldwide, contributing to environments that empower nurses and enhance patient care,” said Ried.
