Magnet Status in Nursing

In 2005, the Main Line Health nursing department at Bryn Mawr, Lankenau, and Paoli Hospitals was awarded Magnet® designation for a four-year period by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the nation's highest award for excellence in nursing care. These three hospitals represent 2,000 registered and licensed practical nurses.

At the typical Magnet hospital, patient outcomes are excellent and nurses have a high level of job satisfaction, low turnover, an appropriate way to resolve grievances, and are involved in making decisions about patient care.

Nancy M. Valentine, RN, PhD, MPH, FAAN, FNAP, who accepted the position of Chief Nursing Officer for Main Line Health System in 2006, says that "the power of Magnet recognition is that it transforms the work environment to focus on delivering patient centered outcomes, thus allowing professionals the privilege to practice their craft at the highest levels of excellence."