Magnet appraisers wrap up visit
From the Magnet Site visit escort command center at Children’s Hospital, dozens of escorts handled everything from arranging tours for the appraisers to room setup and breakdown.
Photo by Susan Urmy
Shared governance, evidence-based practice, nursing advancement and collegiality among disciplines and departments were common themes Magnet Recognition appraisers hit on throughout their site visit, which wrapped up Saturday, Sept. 16.
The appraisers have 30 days to prepare their report and submit it to a separate American Nurses Credentialing Center panel. The panel then has up to three months to review and vote on the report. According to this schedule, VUMC could learn the final decision by late January 2007.
“This was a phenomenal experience,” said Marilyn Dubree, M.S.N., R.N., Vanderbilt University Medical Center's chief nursing officer. “The entire organization rallied around our Magnet site visit, and we got to showcase our great organization.”
Before departing campus, the appraisers and nursing leaders met for a brief wrap-up session where the appraisers said they were impressed and enjoyed getting to meet and listen to nurses, administrators and members of the community.
“The site visit was our chance to shine, and we did just that,” said Sabrina Downs, M.S.N., R.N., director of VUMC's Magnet Recognition effort. “There were so many moving parts and logistics throughout the four days, and our staff really illustrated our commitment to excellent patient-centered care.”
The Magnet Recognition application process started 19 months ago, and has involved the hard work and effort of hundreds of VUMC employees in preparation of the site visit. Only 4 percent of hospitals in the country have earned Magnet Recognition status.