The Empire: Commanded by Nursing Leaders Influencing High-Quality Patient Care and Outcomes

http://www.nursecredentialing.org/Magnet/ProgramOverview/ForcesofMagnetism.aspx
Empirical Quality Results:
The Magnet recognition process is focused on structure and processes, with an assumption that good unspecified outcomes will follow. This component is where the maximum amount of changes will occur during the Magnet transformation process. When looking to the future several questions that should not be adressed are, "What do you do?" or "How do you do it?" but rather, "What difference have you made?" Becoming a magnet status pioneer of the future is a unique position. By demonstrating solutions to various problems in the healthcare system today. This exploration can be approached through innovative structure and processes.
The last of the 14 Forces of Magnetism are addressed in this component.
Ponder the attached question related to the force at hand and post your comment and nursing leadership contribution.
Force 6: Quality of Care
"Quality is the systematic driving force for nursing and the organization. Nurses serving in leadership positions are responsible for providing an environment that positively influences patient outcomes. There is a pervasive perception among nurses that they provide high-quality care to patients."
***Question: When considering your present working position. How do you contribute as a nursing leader that influences patient outcomes?

Darth Vader: An Inquisitive Mind

Darth Vader finds that the “Forces of Magnetism”are MOST IMPRESSIVE. Read along with him and learn more about the FORCE. The sites are available for you to access for your personal knowledge and facility.
Click over the photo of Darth Vader and you will be able to better see what he is reading.

Check out the fourth entry and sign up for a free newsletter to enrich your practice as a nurse manager.

Ø HCPro's Resource Center for the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®
http://www.hcmarketplace.com/prod-7406.html

Ø Ready, Set, Designation! Guide for the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program Site Visit
http://www.pohly.com/books/readysetdesignation.html

Ø HCPro's Guide to Assessing, Pursuing, and Achieving Excellence in the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® Second Edition
http://www.hcmarketplace.com/prod-5842-ESEARCHGOO.html

Ø Nurse Manager Weekly (Free e-Newsletter): HCMarketplace.com
http://www.hcmarketplace.com/prod-868-ESEARCHGOO.html

Ø “Magnet hospitals revisited” by Margaret L. McClure, Ada Sue Hinshaw, American Academy of Nursing, American Nurses Association
http://books.google.com/books?id=FlVtAAAAMAAJ&q=ANCC+Forces+of+Magnetism+guide&dq=ANCC+Forces+of+Magnetism+guide&lr=&pgis=1

Ø Magnet Publications: Instructions & Applications Process Manual
http://www.co-store.com/certification/


Ø Magnet Recognition Program – Download Tools
http://www.nursecredentialing.org/Magnet/ApplicationProcess/MagnetReconitionProgramDownloadForms.aspx

Princess Leia: A Strong Leader Seeking New Knowledge, Innovation, and Improvements

http://www.nursecredentialing.org/Magnet/ProgramOverview/ForcesofMagnetism.aspx
New Knowledge, Innovation, and Improvements are developed by an organization
possessing strong leadership, empowered professional personnel, and commendable practice within its management structure. The Magnet organization has an ethical and professional responsibility to their staff to contribute to patient care, the organization, and the profession by redesigning and redefining its current systems and practices. This is achieved through new knowledge, innovations, and improvements with new care models, application of existing and new evidence-based practice guidelines, and visible scientific contributions to nursing.
One of the 14 Forces of Magnetism is represented in this component of the “Model for ANCC’s Magnet Recognition Program.”
Please address a question(s) or post a comment regarding this force and your employment organization.
Force #7: Quality Improvement
“The organization has structures and processes for the measurement of quality and programs for improving the quality of care and services within the organization.”
***Question to Ponder: Does your present employment facility have tools established and implemented that measure the quality of care and services provided? If so, what are they and does the staff have access to the results?
***Question to Ponder: Does your present employer have programs that improve service within the organization? If so, how do you contribute to their implementation?

Storm Trooper Discovery

While our trusting and faithful storm trooper was making his security rounds, he stumbled upon an interesting article published by The Center for Nursing Advocacy that is not quite as supportive and enthused about the Magnet Program. The information reveals that many times after the much-sought status is obtained the program begins to unravel and the facility is back to its original operational standards. The Center also makes recommendations on how to improve the Magnet Program. Please click on the link to read the article in its entirety. http://www.nursingadvocacy.org/faq/magnet.html

Question:
Have you read or do you currently know of a facility that obtained Magnet status and returned to its original method of operation afterwards? If so, was the unraveling of the program due more to management or the staff of the facility?

Help out a little Ewok in his quest

The role of the Ewok is to preserve the Life Energy of the Forest. He believes that one source of your professional life energy is through active membership in a professional nursing organization. He has provided you an accessible list at http://www.nurse.org/orgs.shtml
Magnet Force #8: Consultation and Resources addresses professional organizations and their promotion and involvement.
This little Ewok is wanting you to share with him the Professional National Nursing Organization(s) you are currently enrolled and use as your nursing life energy force. Also, he would like to know if the literature and support from the organization(s) has benefited you in your professional nursing practice and how. Include in your posting if you are a member of your state nurses association. Thank you and he sends an Ewokie warm fuzzy for sharing your professional life energy with him.

Luke Skywalker: A Life Filled with Transformation and Achievement

http://www.nursecredentialing.org/Magnet/ProgramOverview/ForcesofMagnetism.aspx
Exemplary Professional Practice is the heart of the Magnet program.
There must be a comprehensive understanding of the nurses role with patients, families, communities, and members of the collaborative team. In this component of the Magnet process application of the nursing role understanding, new found knowledge, and evidence-based research. The goal is set for strong professional practice and its achievement.

Five of the 14 Forces of Magnetism are represented in the exemplary professional practice component of the Magnet program.

Please select a force (s), answer a question or post a comment related to the component in discussion or a particular force (s).

Force #5: Professional Models of Care
"There are models of care that give nurses the responsibility and authority for the provision of direct patient care. Nurses are accountable for their own practice as well as the coordination of care. The models of care (i.e., primary nursing, case management, family-centered, district, and holistic) provide for the continuity of care across the continuum. The models take into consideration patients’ unique needs and provide skilled nurses and adequate resources to accomplish desired outcomes."
***Question: The ANA Code of Ethics and Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice, State Board of Nursing Practice Act , facility policy and procedures serve as essential principles in guiding practice for the novice and experienced staff nurse. Does your facility encourage the practice of the guidelines set forth in these sources? If so, briefly explain how in patient care approach, patient outcomes, or patient treatment.

Force #8: Consultation and Resources
"The healthcare organization provides adequate resources, support, and opportunities for the utilization of experts, particularly advanced practice nurses. In addition, the organization promotes involvement of nurses in professional organizations and among peers in the community."
***Question: Does your facility use nurse practioners or other specialized advance nursing services providing a professional practice environment? What professional organization (s) are you a member and what advantages has it provided you in your professional growth and patient care delivery?

Force #9: Autonomy
"Autonomous nursing care is the ability of a nurse to assess and provide nursing actions as appropriate for patient care based on competence, professional expertise, and knowledge. The nurse is expected to practice autonomously, consistent with professional standards. Independent judgment is expected to be exercised within the context of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to patient/resident/client care."
***Question: Do you practice autonomy in your nursing practice? If so, give an example of a situation illustrating the practice. If not, what is the hindering factor in your personal practice?

Force #11: Nurses as Teachers
"Professional nurses are involved in educational activities within the organization and community. Students from a variety of academic programs are welcomed and supported in the organization; contractual arrangements are mutually beneficial. There is a development and mentoring program for staff preceptors for all levels of students (including students, new graduates, experienced nurses, etc.). Staff in all positions serve as faculty and preceptors for students from a variety of academic programs. There is a patient education program that meets the diverse needs of patients in all of the care settings of the organization."
***Question: In your healthcare setting do you incorporate teaching into your practice as a patient educator and staff developer? If so, briefly discuss how you integrate teaching into your practice.

Force # 13: Interdisciplinary Relationships
"Collaborative working relationships within and among the disciplines are valued. Mutual respect is based on the premise that all members of the healthcare team make essential and meaningful contributions in the achievement of clinical outcomes. Conflict management strategies are in place and are used effectively, when indicated."
***Question: Do you practice in a healthy work environment with collaboration among the staff? Are there conflict management strategies in place and have you observed them being deployed with effective results?