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Advancing Progress and Possibilities for a Healthier Future

Delivering Top-Tier Nursing Care:
Ochsner Medical
Center Achieves Fourth Magnet® Recognition

There are more than 6,300 hospitals across the United States, and only a very few achieve the American Nursing Credentialing Center’s Magnet recognition — the highest national honor for professional nursing practice.

Ochsner nurses gather to celebrate the 4th Magnet recognition at Ochsner Medical Center — New Orleans.

An even smaller number — just 1% — earned this prestigious credential four consecutive times. In 2019 Ochsner Medical Center — New Orleans joined that elite company.

Magnet recognition is the gold standard for nursing excellence and is a significant factor when the public assesses healthcare organizations, including U.S. News & World Report’s annual selection of “America’s Best Hospitals.” Research indicates that hospitals with a Magnet designation exhibit several beneficial characteristics, including:

  • Higher patient satisfaction with nurse communication and the availability of assistance
  • Lower risk of 30-day mortality and lower failure to rescue rates
  • Higher job satisfaction among nurses
  • Lower nurse reports of intentions to leave their positions

We’re a better organization today because of the Magnet recognition we first achieved 16 years ago.

— Tracey Moffatt

To achieve initial Magnet recognition, organizations must pass a rigorous process that demands widespread participation from leadership and staff. The assessment requires an electronic application, written patient care documentation, an on-site visit and a review by the Commission on Magnet Recognition.

Healthcare organizations must reapply for Magnet recognition every four years based on adherence to Magnet concepts and demonstrated improvements in patient care and quality. An organization reapplying for Magnet recognition must provide documented evidence to demonstrate how staff members sustained and improved Magnet concepts and advanced performance and quality. In 2019 Ochsner also received an exemplar, or significant example of nursing excellence, for the prevention of unplanned extubations in our Pediatric Intensive Care population.

“We’re a better organization today because of the Magnet recognition we first achieved 16 years ago,” notes Tracey Moffatt, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Quality. “Magnet recognition has raised the bar for patient care and inspired every member of our team to achieve excellence every day.”