Sabrina Downs, M.S.N., MBA, R.N., with some of the documentation VUMC is preparing for Magnet recertification. (photo by Joe Howell)
VUMC moving forward with Magnet process
Vanderbilt University Medical Center submitted its document to the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) in early October, moving one step closer in its second Magnet designation process.
The document was the culmination of more than a year of work on behalf of the interdisciplinary teams that provide patient care. The second designation process began last fall when a steering committee came together and began collecting exemplars for the document which covers June 2008 through June 2010.
“Magnet is critically important to our organization,” said Marilyn Dubree, M.S.N., R.N., executive chief nursing officer for VUMC. “It gives us a chance to affirm our excellence in patient care and the more than 2,000-page Magnet document is the story of our priorities, our approach and our value system.”
In November 2006, VUMC became the first hospital in Middle Tennessee designated as Magnet, meaning that the Medical Center met rigorous measures of strength and quality of patient care.
To date, seven percent of hospitals nationally have achieved Magnet status and only one other hospital in Tennessee has achieved the coveted distinction.
“Magnet designation is the gold standard for nursing and Vanderbilt. Attaining Magnet status tells the community, patients and staff that Vanderbilt is the place to be,” said Sabrina Downs, M.S.N., MBA, R.N., director of VUMC Nursing Professional Practice and Magnet.
During the course of the last four years, the ANCC has made significant changes to the Magnet criteria, challenging health care organizations to constantly raise levels of quality. Elements considered in the current Magnet criteria include Exemplary Professional Practice and New Knowledge, Innovations and Improvements which lead to improved patient outcomes.
The ANCC will take a couple of months to review the Vanderbilt University Medical Center document.
If the information in the document meets the criteria, then the Medical Center will be considered for a site visit, which could possible occur in early 2011.
For more information on Vanderbilt's second Magnet designation journey, please visit the Magnet website at www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/magnet.
In addition, a series of Magnet Fairs have been scheduled: Oct. 27 in the Medical Center North Ballroom; Oct. 29 at One Hundred Oaks and Nov. 4 and Nov. 5 in Williamson County.