Spectrum Health Earns Magnet Recognition

Spectrum Health was informed yesterday that Butterworth, Blodgett and Helen DeVos Children’s hospitals have been awarded Magnet Recognition’ by the’American Nurses Credentialing Center ‘(ANCC).

Magnet Recognition’ is considered to be among one of the highest honors bestowed upon a health care organization with only 5 percent of hospitals in the country receiving this prestigious designation.

Shawn Ulreich, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, chief nursing executive/vice president, patient care services, Spectrum Health Hospital Group, was officially notified by phone today, surrounded by an auditorium full of nurses, executives and other team members there to celebrate the accomplishment.

“This is a validation of the quality work done by the entire organization toward improving patient care,” said Ulreich. “It puts us among an elite group of hospitals in the country.”

“To have your hospitals pull this off is a ton of work,” said Gail Wolf, DSN, RN, FAAN, ANCC Magnet Recognition’ Commission chairwoman, who added that the decision to grant the recognition to Spectrum Health was unanimous.’ “Although this is considered a nursing recognition, it wouldn’t have been possible without all aspects of your hospitals working together and supporting these standards.”

“A Magnet hospital is able to attract and retain high caliber nurses with superior job satisfaction because they can provide top quality care to their patients and families,” said Ulreich. “In a Magnet hospital the voice of the nurse is heard.”

Spectrum Health began the long process of seeking this designation in November of 2006. The process involved a lengthy application, extensive, documentation and appraisal, including an onsite visit that took place in the spring.

The goals of the Magnet Recognition’ Program are to:

identify excellence in the delivery of nursing care to patients
promote the quality of health care services in an environment that supports professional nursing practice
provide a mechanism for the dissemination of best practices in nursing services

“Excellence is not a destination. Conducting thoughtful review of our nursing services against the Magnet standards allows us to advance the culture of excellence and strengthen our professional nursing practice,” explained Ulreich. “This is a moment to reflect and celebrate but also a time to move forward because the work continues.”

Magnet status is valid for four years.

ANCC is a subsidiary of the’American Nurses Association. The Magnet Recognition’ Program recognizes health care organizations that provide the very best in nursing care and professionalism in nursing practice. The program also provides a vehicle for disseminating best practices and strategies among nursing systems. The ANCC Magnet Recognition’ Program is the gold standard for nursing excellence.

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system in West Michigan that offers a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, a collection of seven hospitals and more than 140 service sites; the Spectrum Health Medical Group, a multispecialty team of nearly 100 providers; and Priority Health, a health plan with nearly 500,000 members. Spectrum Health’s 14,000 employees, 1,500 medical staff members and 2,000 volunteers are committed to delivering the highest quality care to those in medical need.’ The organization provided $111.1 million in community benefit during its 2008 fiscal year. As a system, Spectrum Health has earned more than 100 awards during the past 10 years.