AUBMC Applies to ANCC-Magnet Recognition

The American University of Beirut Medical Center has applied to the American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC) for the prestigious Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing, a highly sought-after prize among health care institutions. Only 5.5 percent of all health-care organizations in the United States have achieved ANCC Magnet Recognition status, and only two outside of the USA (Australia and New Zealand).

According to the ANCC, the Magnet Recognition Program provides health consumers with “the ultimate benchmark to measure the quality of care they can expect to receive.”

To live by rigorous Magnet standards means to maintain a satisfying, professional milieu for health care professionals and employees; acknowledge and place value on the contributions nurses make to patient care on a daily basis; govern with institutional regard for the nursing philosophy; foster nursing autonomy and empowerment in the delivery of patient care resulting in positive patient outcomes; provide excellent patient care; and foster teamwork among health care professionals, ensuring collaborative practice and successful communication from care provider to hospital administrator.

Earning Magnet status will be an affirmation of the excellent care AUBMC nurses provide, and the importance we place on involving our registered nurses in governing their practice, and participating as leaders of change to improve delivery of health care.

Earning Magnet recognition is a longtime goal of the nursing services at AUBMC under the leadership of Gladys Mouro, the director of AUBMC nursing services. On January 23, 2009 the written documentation was submitted to the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and a site visit to verify, clarify, and amplify the information submitted, is scheduled on April 26, 27 and 28, 2009 during which period the three appraisers will be communicating with AUBMC staff members.

The Magnet Program Appraisal Team members are:

Team Leader: Donna D. Poduska, MS, RN, NE-BC, NEA-BC
Team Members: Jane H. Barnsteiner, PhD, RN, FAAN; Susan Howell, EdD, RN