January 26, 2012

Magnet update

Magnet update

The Magnet Second Designation site visit is less than a month away — Feb. 20-24. Though the designation is conducted through the American Nurses Credentialing Center, it is important to remember that being designated as a Magnet organization is beneficial for all Vanderbilt University Medical Center employees.

Magnet Designation is reflective of the entire organization and can hold some benefits for all staff, including:

• Third parties (regulatory agencies such as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and payors such as insurance companies) realize that a Magnet designation shows a high level of quality care for patients.

• National rankings such as those conducted by U.S. News and World Report and others are impacted by a Magnet designation, and both help recruit and retain staff.

• It sets VUMC apart in the region since there are only three Magnet Hospitals in Tennessee and VUMC is the only Magnet Hospital in Middle Tennessee.

When appraisers come next month they will visit as many units and clinics as possible. The appraisers are not just interested in hearing about VUMC nursing care.

They also want to hear how the staff works together as a team and the role that others play in providing quality care to patients.

For more information on what everyone should know about the upcoming site visit, please go to http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/magnetfaq. Find more resources at the Magnet website at http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/magnet.