During a live Video Conference on April 27, 2021, Glens Falls Hospital was notified that the Commission on Magnet had unanimously voted to credential Glens Falls Hospital a Magnet Organization, joining only 8% of all hospitals in the United States to currently hold this distinction, and less than 10% of hospitals world-wide.
Magnet Recognition is the gold standard for nursing excellence. To receive Magnet Recognition by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), an organization must demonstrate excellent quality outcomes, satisfied patients, and engaged nurses.
Creating and sustaining a culture of excellence is what it means to be on the Magnet Journey. The process of applying for Magnet designation is thorough and lengthy, demanding widespread participation within the organization. Healthcare organizations find the journey to be a revealing self-assessment, creating opportunities for organizational advancement, team building, and enhancement of individual professional self-esteem.
Glens Falls Hospital began its Magnet Journey in 2013 when a strategic organizational goal to achieve this status was set by the Board of Governors and Nursing Leadership. Over the next seven years, the nurses at Glens Falls Hospital formalized a structure of shared leadership, evidence-based practice, continuous quality improvement, and nursing research. The journey itself transformed patient care and the nursing practice environment. In July 2020, GFH nurse leaders submitted a 700+ page document that showcased evidence to prove our world-class outcomes. The document was scored at the level of “Excellent” and in December 2020, Glens Falls Hospital was notified it was moving directly to a site visit from the ANCC. Three appraisers spent three days in February observing each nursing area and meeting with hundreds of staff members to verify, clarify, and amplify what was written in our document and ensure these practices were enculturated throughout our organization. The appraisers then submitted a report on Glens Falls Hospital to the Commission on Magnet.
The final step occurred on Tuesday, April 27 during a live event announcing the completion of our successful Magnet journey. During the announcement, the Commission notified Glens Falls Hospital that seven of their document sources of evidence were industry exemplars.
According to Donna Kirker, Glens Falls Hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer & Vice President of Patient Services, “This recognition validates that our nursing and patient care meets the highest standards achieved by less than 10% of hospitals internationally. We are so honored to receive this designation.”
The American Nurses Credentialing Center says, “The Magnet Recognition Program designates organizations worldwide where nursing leaders successfully align their nursing strategic goals to improve the organization’s patient outcomes. The Magnet Recognition Program provides a roadmap to nursing excellence, which benefits the whole of an organization. To nurses, Magnet Recognition means education and development through every career stage, which leads to greater autonomy at the bedside. To patients, it means the very best care, delivered by nurses who are supported to be the best they can be.”
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About Glens Falls Hospital
Glens Falls Hospital (GFH) maintains a service area that spans 6,000 square miles across 5 diverse counties. Founded in 1897, GFH today operates an advanced health care delivery system featuring 20 regional facilities. A vast array of specialized medical and surgical services are provided in addition to coronary care, behavioral health care, rehabilitation and wellness and others. The main hospital campus is home to the C.R. Wood Cancer Center, the Joyce Stock Snuggery birthing center, the Breast Center and a chronic wound healing center. GFH is a not-for-profit organization and the largest employer in New York’s Adirondack region, with over 2,300 employees and a medical staff of over 550 providers. For more information visit www.GlensFallsHospital.org.
About the Albany Med Health System
Glens Falls Hospital is an affiliate of the Albany Med Health System, which also includes Albany Medical Center, Columbia Memorial Health and Saratoga Hospital. The region’s largest locally governed health system, it has 1,520 beds, more than 800 physicians and 125 outpatient locations throughout the Capital Region.