Contact: Ryan Davenport, Fairview, 612.672.4164

MINNEAPOLIS (April 25, 2007) -- University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview and University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital, Fairview are now among the few hospitals in the nation that have achieved Magnet designation for excellence in nursing services by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program®. The medical center and children’s hospital received news of their selection by the ANCC April 24th.

They join an elite group of only four percent of health care organizations selected as Magnet facilities because of their quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovations in professional nursing practice. It’s one of the highest levels of recognition a hospital can achieve.

“This designation recognizes our exceptional nursing care and the important role nursing plays in making ours an excellent place to receive care,” says Kathie Taranto, senior vice president, patient care services, and chief nursing officer. “We achieved this important designation because of the outstanding collaborative efforts of all our caregivers here to work as a team to provide the best possible care to our patients and their families.”

“You and your staff have lots to be proud of,” Brenda Kelly, of ANCC, told a roomful of nursing leaders and staff during a conference call announcing the official designation. “You have done an amazing job.”

The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes health care organizations that demonstrate excellence in nursing practice and adherence to national standards for the organization and delivery of nursing services. Applicants undergo a rigorous evalu ation that includes extensive interviews and review of nursing services. Research shows there are clear benefits to hospitals that are awarded Magnet status and to the communities they serve:

• Health care consumers have more confidence in the overall quality of a hospital if it has achieved the level of excellence established by the Magnet Recognition Program.

• Magnet-designated facilities consistently outperform other facilities in recruiting and retaining nurses resulting in increased stability in patient care and patient satisfaction.

• Because quality nursing is one of the most important factors in enlisting high-caliber physicians and specialists, Magnet status becomes an attractive force that extends to the entire facility.

The designation recognizes “that this is a wonderful place for patients to receive care and for staff to work and be involved in making a difference,” says Deb Cathcart, vice president, pediatric and maternal nursing services.

Ann Gengler, who led the magnet process for the medical center and children’s hospital, agrees. “The designation affirms who we are and challenges all of us to sustain and improve on a work environment supportive of individuals providing excellent patient care.”

The medical center and children’s hospital will be formally recognized at a Magnet conference this fall.

ANCC is the largest and most prominent nursing credentialing organization in the United States. The medical center and children’s hospital’s Magnet status is valid for four years.

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