VUMC’s Christina Twine, R.N., BSN, left, John Rice, R.N., and Rosha Spencer, R.N., BSN, compare notes during a debriefing following the first day of the Magnet site visit on Monday. (photo by Steve Green)
Appraisers tour VUMC as next step on Magnet journey
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) appraisers are visiting Vanderbilt University Medical Center this week as the final step toward the Medical Center earning a second Magnet Designation.
The Feb. 20-24 site visit is the culmination of more than two years of comprehensive planning and preparation.
“The best part of this entire process is the site visit, because our nurses, physicians, staff and leaders get to tell the story of Vanderbilt in their own words,” said Marilyn Dubree, MSN, R.N., executive chief nursing officer.
“It has taken the support of everyone at the Medical Center to pursue this recognition, and I am so thankful and proud of everyone’s efforts.”
The four appraisers participated in more than 40 meetings with staff nurses, physicians, administrators and leaders representing all departments and units throughout the Medical Center's two campuses and network of clinics. Additionally, the appraisers solicited feedback from the community and Vanderbilt staff.
An Incident Command Center was set up for the visit, operating from 7 a.m. until the appraisers left campus in the late afternoon each day. The center was staffed with representatives from each Vanderbilt hospital, the Vanderbilt Medical Group, human resources and information technology and others handling any additional information or last-minute requests by the appraisers.
More than 30 staff nurses, called Magnet escorts, guided the appraisers to their meetings and kept them on schedule.
“The people I’ve worked side-by-side with this week in the command center have inspired me,” said Marie Glaser, MSN, R.N., administrative director Vanderbilt Heart & Vascular Institute and Magnet Incident Commander.
“I work on the ambulatory side, and this week has given me a window into the meaningful progress we’ve made as an inpatient institution around quality and patient-centered care. The alignment of nursing leaders, everything, has given us synergy to succeed.”
The appraisers will report back to the ANCC. It will be two to three months before VUMC is notified of the results.
The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes health care organizations for quality patient care. There are fewer than 400 hospitals nationwide that have achieved Magnet status.
VUMC earned its first Magnet designation in 2006.