Friday, March 29, 2024
39.0°F

Elite nurses? Kootenai Health has them

| September 16, 2021 1:00 AM

The American Nurses Credentialing Center on Wednesday granted Kootenai Health Magnet recognition for the fourth consecutive time.

Only 563 hospitals have achieved Magnet recognition worldwide, and even fewer — just 137 — have achieved Magnet four or more times.

Kootenai has held Magnet status since 2006 and is one of only two Magnet hospitals in the state of Idaho, according to a press release. Magnet designation is the highest and most prestigious international distinction a health care organization can receive for nursing excellence.

“I am incredibly proud of our nursing staff and the entire health care team that made this achievement possible,” said Joan Simon, Kootenai Health chief nursing officer. “Magnet is the highest honor in nursing. This recognizes nurses for the exemplary outcomes of care delivered each day here at Kootenai Health.”

The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes health care organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovations in professional nursing practice. To be recognized as a Magnet hospital, health care organizations must pass a review process.

Magnet recognition has been shown to provide specific benefits to hospitals and their communities, such as higher patient satisfaction with nurse communication, availability of help, receipt of discharge information and higher job satisfaction among nurses.

“We are honored and excited to receive Magnet status,” said Kootenai Health CEO Jon Ness. “This achievement is a validation of the professionalism, teamwork and compassionate patient care Kootenai Health is known for.”