For the fifth time, Springfield Memorial Hospital has received healthcare’s highest honor for nursing excellence: Magnet ® recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
The ANCC also bestowed on SMH their most elite designation, “Magnet with Distinction.”
The announcement was made on Monday morning in a live video call with the ANCC in front of an audience of nursing team members, Memorial leaders and community supporters at the Edgar J. Curtis Memorial Learning Center. Gasps of excitement, followed by a standing ovation, greeted the announcement that SMH was among the select group of hospitals around that world that have earned “with distinction” honors.
Only 2 percent of hospitals nationwide have earned five consecutive Magnet designations, which recognize healthcare organizations that meet or exceed more than 100 national standards for nursing practice, patient outcomes and patient experience.
Hospitals designated as Magnet with Distinction belong to an even more select group, exceeding national benchmarks in all categories. The achievement places SMH in the top 1 percent of Magnet hospitals around the world.
“The Magnet program recognizes hospitals that provide high-quality nursing care while also supporting and empowering nurses,” Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Jennifer Bond said. “That empowerment translates into higher job satisfaction for nursing teams and a better experience for patients.”
SMH first earned Magnet designation in 2006. Magnet hospitals apply for redesignation every five years, submitting more than 3,000 pages of documentation and data on quality improvement projects, research and professional practice.
“While Magnet designation recognizes nursing excellence, this honor reflects collaboration and teamwork across the entire hospital,” Bond said. “Earning Magnet with Distinction is such a high bar of excellence, and I’m incredibly proud.”
In April, surveyors from the ANCC came to SMH for a site visit, speaking with more than 350 clinical nurses, support staff and members of the community. The surveyors commended SMH in multiple areas, including strong collaboration between teams and departments, innovation in care delivery and a commitment to the well-being of nurses.
Following the announcement on Monday, Memorial leaders brought the celebration to the nursing units and clinics that helped earn the designation with a “Celebration Parade” that kicked off in the SMH lobby and made its way through the hospital and beyond. Nursing team members paused to enjoy special treats and recognize 20 years of Magnet nursing at SMH.
SMH is part of Springfield-based Memorial Health, which also includes Magnet-designated Jacksonville Memorial Hospital. JMH has earned four consecutive Magnet designations and will soon begin the application process for a fifth designation.
Lincoln Memorial Hospital has earned two Pathway to Excellence designations as part of a separate program from the ANCC honoring hospitals that create a positive, empowering work environment for nurses.
“Five Magnet designations, including Magnet with Distinction, is an amazing accomplishment that puts SMH among the top hospitals for nursing nationwide and around the world,” said Memorial Health President and CEO Mandy Eaton. “We’re truly fortunate to have a nursing culture that values innovation, quality care and doing what’s best for our patients.”