When nurses and teams of supporting associates work collaboratively to achieve Magnet Status, it’s something we are all proud of, and it is a reflection of who we are as an organization and a team of caregivers.
This recognition demonstrates that our team is committed to providing safe, quality patient care and nurturing a work environment built on collaboration, professionalism and clinical excellence.
It sets us apart from the rest. Fewer than eight (8) percent of U.S. hospitals have achieved Magnet. In fact, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital was the very first Magnet hospital in the nation to have earned this recognition three times.
We also know that Magnet hospitals generally report:
- Higher patient satisfaction scores
- Lower infection rates
- Lower incidences of pressure ulcers
- A higher standard of nursing education
- Greater performance on common nursing benchmarks
- More collaboration among team members
Knowing this, it’s particularly concerning that National Nurses United/National Nurses Organizing Committee (NNU/NNOC) opposes Magnet Status and shared governance.
NNU is promoting its opposition to Magnet status through an online continuing education course titled, “The Forces of Magnetism: Their Impact on RN Autonomy, Independent Judgment, and Advocacy.” According to NNU, the course looks at how models of care promoted by magnet status “negatively impact the registered nurse’s ability to exercise independent professional judgement and advocate in the exclusive interest of the patient.”
Given the union’s position on this, it is clear that NNU doesn’t share our priorities, values and mission.