REPORT: October/November 2005

Ask the Experts

Can I influence my facility’s Magnet status?

Q.: My facility is pursuing Magnet recognition through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). How can registered nurses working within the facility provide input about the “forces of magnetism,” in addition to what is submitted by the facility?

A.: RNs have the right and obligation to participate in the process for attaining Magnet status. Comments provided by RNs, patients, families and the public provide Magnet program appraisers with information to determine if a facility has achieved excellence in all aspects of nursing services, from leadership and management philosophy to the quality of patient care.

All comments are confidential and can be made anonymously in writing, by e-mail, fax, or direct mail to the addresses listed below. Comments should be forwarded to ANCC before the comment deadline date, which is found at the Web site listed below. Comments may include requests to meet with or talk to the appraiser should the evaluation of the written documentation progress to an on-site review.

American Nurses Credentialing Center
Magnet Recognition Program® Office
8515 Georgia Ave, Suite 400
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3492

T.: 301.628.5223
Urgent issues call: 866.588.3301

e-Mail: magnet@ana.org (Please indicate “Public Notice Comment” in the subject line.)
Web site: http://www.nursingworld.org/ancc/magnet/siteevals.html