Morristown Medical Center achieves sixth consecutive Magnet designation
Only 2 percent of Hospitals Nationwide Designated Six Times
MORRISTOWN, NJ (Morris County) – Atlantic Health System’s Morristown Medical Center Thursday
announced it has been redesignated as a Magnet® hospital for the sixth consecutive time by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
The ANCC’s Magnet Recognition Program® honors healthcare organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovations in professional nursing practice. Only two percent of the 591 Magnet-designated hospitals throughout the United States, have been accredited six times.
“To achieve our sixth consecutive Magnet designation illustrates for our patients and communities that the nurses at Morristown Medical Center are committed to the latest advancements in clinical excellence while providing exceptional patient care,” said Brandee Fetherman, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, Morristown Medical Center. “This esteemed designation helps attract and retain the absolute best nurses who seek to work at a high-quality, nationally acclaimed hospital where nurses are deeply respected and appreciated for their efforts. Our physicians value collaborating with our well-trained team of specialized nurses and together, with our multidisciplinary teams, bring about positive patient outcomes.”
To achieve Magnet recognition, organizations must pass a rigorous and lengthy process that requires widespread participation from hospital leadership and team members every four years. Magnet redesignation is based on several factors including staff empowerment, shared decision making, professional development, nurse recruitment/retention, and a higher standard of practice.
“Because I started my career as a bedside nurse, I understand what it takes to earn this designation, and I am extremely proud of this phenomenal Magnet accomplishment. It shows our patients and our communities what so many already know, that our nurses are beyond comparison when it comes to providing quality care. Our unwavering commitment to extraordinary patient care, quality advancements in innovative nurse practices, continuing education and research, as well as exemplary partnerships with our medical staff makes this feat possible,” said Trish O’Keefe, PhD, RN, president of Morristown Medical Center, and Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive, Atlantic Health System.
Morristown Medical Center was also recognized by the ANCC for five exemplars of excellence for:
- Nursing innovation
- Delivering culturally and socially sensitive care
- Cardiac rehabilitation
- Nurse education
- Nurse certification
Examples of the high-quality nurse practices and systems in place at Morristown Medical Center include:
- A robust Shared Governance model for nurse empowerment that gives decision-making responsibility to the bedside nurse, which fosters accountability, promotes collaborative care, and results in more effective and efficient patient care.
- A nursing empowerment model that fosters a culture of nursing excellence that encourages and rewards nurses who go beyond existing performance standards.
- A professional practice model with patients and families at the center, driving all aspects of nursing care.
- Five years ago, Morristown Medical Center established a Center for Nursing Innovation and Research—a designated space for nurses to design and conduct nursing research to improve patient outcomes, explore evidence-based practice, and create innovations for nurses within Atlantic Health System and across the nation.
- Continued and higher education opportunities are plentiful and encouraged.
“When patients are cared for by Magnet nurses at Morristown Medical Center – known for its exacting standards and quality across disciplines, they feel the difference, as do their family members and loved ones,” said Fetherman. “Every day with every person they encounter, our Magnet nurses play a critical role in providing a positive impact that leads to the best-possible patient outcomes and experiences. Our nurses are admired and respected by the team members and physicians around them and are cherished throughout our communities.”
