Main Line Health has received its second System Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the nation's highest recognition of excellence in nursing care, as well as exceptional multidisciplinary teamwork, awarded to only eight percent of hospitals in the nation.

In addition to Magnet designation, Main Line Health also received five “exemplars” from the ANCC. Exemplars are determined by the Commission on Magnet Recognition and represent a best practice among Magnet hospitals. Main Line Health was recognized for exemplary professional practice in the following areas:

  • Nursing Leadership Advocacy – providing a superior patient experience and offering integrative and holistic therapies (Reiki, Deaver Wellness Farm at Lankenau, etc.)
  • Transformational Leadership – Culture of Safety
  • Transformational Leadership – communication strategy/change management – human trafficking screening program implementation
  • Professional Nursing Certification – clinical nurses and nurse leaders
  • Legislative Impact – Keeping Nurses Safe – advocacy of the Main Line Health Culture of Safety

Although the Magnet designation is a widely recognized term among nurses and other health care professionals, not everyone is aware of what Magnet means. Below, Barbara Wadsworth, DNP, RN, senior vice president and chief nursing officer at Main Line Health, answers some common questions about what Magnet recognition means for patients.

What is Magnet recognition?

Magnet recognition is widely accepted as the gold standard for nursing excellence. Achieving Magnet status benefits patients, nurses and health care organizations by attracting and retaining top talent, improving patient care, safety and satisfaction, fostering a collaborative culture, advancing nursing standards and practice, and growing business and financial success. Healthcare organizations must reapply for Magnet recognition every four years based on adherence to Magnet concepts and demonstrated improvements in patient care and quality. An organization reapplying for Magnet recognition must provide documented evidence to demonstrate how staff members sustained and improved Magnet concepts, performance and quality over the four-year period since the organization received its last recognition.

What benefit does a Magnet hospital offer for patients?

Patients who are treated at a Magnet hospital will receive high-quality care from a nationally recognized and accredited nursing staff. Studies have shown that patients who are treated at a Magnet hospital as opposed to a non-Magnet hospital can experience benefits like increased patient satisfaction and patient safety and shorter hospital stays.

In addition to allowing us to better serve our patients, our Magnet designation also allows us to attract top nursing talent from across the country to build a robust and skilled nursing staff.

Is this the first time that Main Line Health hospitals are recognized as Magnet?

This is the second time that Main Line Health has earned System designation, making us one of only a few health systems in the country to achieve this. In 2019, Lankenau Medical Center, Bryn Mawr Hospital and Paoli Hospital have been designated for the fourth time, and Riddle Hospital, Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital and Main Line Health HomeCare & Hospice have received designation for the second time.

How can I find a Magnet hospital?

All four Main Line Health acute care hospitals—Lankenau Medical Center, Bryn Mawr, Paoli, and Riddle hospitals—are Magnet hospitals, as well as Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital. For a list of Magnet-recognized hospitals across the country, visit the ANCC website.