 www.humc.com
|
May 5, 2000
"MAGNET" IS SYMBOL OF QUALITY HEALTH CARE AT HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
The results of a ten-year study published recently in the American Journal of Nursing may explain why consumers should choose a "Magnet"-approved hospital such as Hackensack University Medical Center.
The "Magnet" designation signifies excellence in nursing services and indicates that a hospital attracts, respects, and rewards professional nurses. The designation is awarded to hospitals who are willingly evaluated by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This peer review is available to all hospitals and is considered a key indicator of the quality of care at local hospitals.
The ANCC has honored Hackensack University Medical Center --not once but twice -- with the coveted Magnet Nursing Services Recognition Award. The medical center first received the award in 1995, making it only one of two hospitals in the nation -- and the only hospital in New Jersey -- to become Magnet-designated. In 1999, the medical center met the high standards of the ANCC once again, making it the second hospital in the nation to receive re-designation.
"The Magnet designation is a coveted and prestigious honor," said John P. Ferguson, president and chief executive officer of Hackensack University Medical Center. "With patient care as our highest priority, the ANCC Magnet award highlights the staff's commitment to quality."The recently published study was conducted by the Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing headed by Linda Aiken, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN, and appeared in the March issue of the American Journal of Nursing.
Toni Fiore, R.N., M.A., CNAA of Pompton Lakes, executive vice president, patient care and chief nursing officer at Hackensack University Medical Center, said the study reinforces why "Magnet" care is so important. "Persons facing illness gain confidence from knowing their healthcare institution has been evaluated by its peers and given the highest of marks," Ms. Fiore said.
The study by Dr. Aiken compared the quality of care at ANCC Magnet-quality hospitals with an earlier Magnet-quality study by another organization, the American Academy of Nursing (AAN). The study revealed that ANCC-recognized hospitals were found to exceed the quality of nursing care in the original Magnet hospitals, as well as in hospitals nationally.
According to ANCC Executive Director Carolyn Lewis, Ph.D., R.N., CNAA, this is good news for consumers. "Ultimately, the general public stands to benefit the most from this study," she said. "It should encourage open dialogue with their healthcare providers and local hospitals. Consumers
should be asking if their hospital has Magnet designation, and if it doesn't, they should want to know why."
Hackensack University Medical Center
30 Prospect Avenue · Hackensack, New Jersey, 07601 · (201) 996-2000