Houston Methodist West Hospital received Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence today, becoming one of a select group of hospitals nationally to be awarded this distinction.

 

There are only 482 Magnet hospitals in the world (including 43 in Texas, of which, 4 are other Houston Methodist facilities), and only 8 percent of hospitals in the United States have achieved Magnet designation.

 

“This designation is a tribute to each and every one of our team members who have dedicated themselves to our patients and their families,” said Vicki Brownewell, vice president and chief nursing officer at Houston Methodist West.

 

The American Nurses Credentialing Center announced the award after Houston Methodist West demonstrated it met or exceeded standards in the areas of nursing administration, education, clinical practice, research and quality. This is the highest level of recognition a hospital can receive from the ANCC for excellence in nursing services.

 

“Magnet designation shows our patients they can count on our nurses to provide them with the very best care,” said Wayne Voss, chief executive officer of Houston Methodist West. “It is also important to our hospital because it helps us attract and retain top talent, improve safety, patient care and satisfaction, and foster a collaborative culture.”

 

Studies show that Magnet hospitals have lower mortality rates and higher patient satisfaction compared to hospitals without the designation. This is attributed to nursing’s sense of autonomy, and their professional relationships with physicians and other team members.

 

According to the ANCC, the award recognizes the management philosophy and practices of nursing services; adherence to standards for improving the quality of patient care; leadership of the chief nurse executive in supporting professional practice and continued competence of nursing personnel; and attention to the cultural and ethnic diversity of patients and their families.