In 1983, the American Academy of Nurses (ANA) task force began exploring variables and the forces that facilitated well-qualified nurse retention in 163 hospitals. They found 41 of the hospitals not only attracted quality nurses but also possessed the ability to retain them. In 1990, these forces were named the “Forces of Magnetism” and by recommendation of the ANA, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (AACN) was organized as a non-profit organization to establish and offer credentialing programs and services. In 1994, a pilot program involving five hospitals was conducted by the AANC using the forces identified in the 1983 study. The first hospital to receive Magnet status was the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle. There presently are only 5.5% of the hospitals in the United States having magnet status. This seems like such a small percentage when consideration is given to the number of hospitals in this country.FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION AND FEEDBACK.
Why do you suppose the numbers are so low? You would think that if hospitals could achieve the Joint Commission Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval there would be minimal effort needed to accomplish the hospital Nobel Prize. On the other hand, are the 14 Forces of Magnetism journey too laboring for hospitals and their staff and not worth the effort? What are your thoughts on this issue?
4 comments:
Yes, I think the journey is too long, tedious and costly for many hospitals. With the changes in health care financing, many hopitals are just struggling to keep the doors open. It is unfortunate that the focus is on money rather than quality care -- especially with the increased patient acuity.
I agree with Dr. Lazenby's post, with the CMS and most major insurances ratcheting down reimbursement, hospitals are struggling to stay open let alone stay on the cutting edge of technology. If a hospital were to have a major philanthropist to provide funds and staff to pull it off it would be very beneficial to the hospital, nursing research, and the community served by the facility.
I agree as well. Many hospitals are having to make cut backs and have hiring freezes. When I asked about persuing Magnet status at our hospital, I was told admin had previously been getting ready to put in an application, but in the end there were too many "hoops" to jump through and it was too expensive to keep up once achieved.
Ali,
I have found this is the true in many of the cases. Too many hoops and too much loot. Take a look at the "Pathway to Excellence" also established by the AACN much less money but still quality standards to achieve.
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