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Celebrating Excellence in Healthcare: UHealth's Magnet with Distinction Achievement

In a remarkable achievement for nursing and patient care, UHealth – University of Miami Health System has been awarded the prestigious Magnet with Distinction recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This recognition marks UHealth as the first health system in Florida to receive this elite status, propelling it into the upper echelon of healthcare institutions across the nation.

What is Magnet Certification?

The Magnet designation is widely recognized as a hallmark of nursing excellence. It signifies that a healthcare organization prioritizes high-quality patient care, innovative practices, and a strong commitment to nursing development. However, achieving the Magnet with Distinction status is reserved for an even smaller group of hospitals, highlighting the absolute highest standards in medical care, patient outcomes, and nursing practices.

UHealth's recognition places it within the top 10% of hospitals in the United States, with only 639 institutions achieving Magnet status and fewer than 1% attaining the Magnet with Distinction level.

A Testament to Dedication

Elizabeth L. Vieito-Smith, D.N.P., RN, Chief Nursing Officer at UHealth, expressed immense pride in this achievement, stating, "Earning Magnet designation with Distinction is a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence. This accomplishment would not have been possible without our nearly 4,300 dedicated nursing staff members and the support from our leadership and collaborative faculty."

The ANCC has outlined several benefits associated with Magnet designation, including:

• - Improved patient care with lower mortality rates and hospital-acquired infection rates.
• - A thriving work environment for nurses, fostering professional growth and empowerment.
• - Exceptional standards of nursing practice and the integration of nurse expertise in decision-making processes.
• - Attraction and retention of skilled nursing professionals.

Leadership's Vision for Excellence

Dipen J. Parekh, M.D., CEO of UHealth, lauded the achievement as a historical milestone for the institution, emphasizing the critical role nurses play in delivering world-class healthcare. "This designation with distinction signals our commitment to clinical excellence and institutional strength, reflecting the quality we strive to provide." His leadership continues to focus on innovation, access to care, and creating a supportive environment for nursing staff.

Attaining the Magnet with Distinction designation involved a comprehensive process. UHealth submitted years of meticulous documentation to the ANCC, culminating in a successful site evaluation. The review examined critical components of the Magnet model, which encompasses transformational leadership, structural empowerment, exemplary professional practice, and tangible patient outcomes.

A Growing Clinical Presence

This recognition aligns perfectly with UHealth's expanding clinical footprint and the staggering 1.8 million patient visits recorded last fiscal year. As South Florida's only academic medical center, UHealth is on the verge of launching its largest ambulatory facility—UHealth SoLé Mia—spanning 370,000 square feet. Following the successful opening of UHealth Doral in November, which serves the West Miami-Dade community, this new facility will further enhance patient care capabilities.

Patients at UHealth benefit from state-of-the-art care provided by the renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, the region's sole NCI-designated cancer center (the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center), and the acclaimed Desai Sethi Urology Institute. The Magnet with Distinction status enriches the quality of care across nearly 40 locations in the South Florida area, from ambulatory clinics to the flagship UHealth Tower hospital.

The Future of Patient Care

Dr. Kymberlee Manni, CEO of University of Miami Hospital and Clinics, reiterated the significance of this recognition. "Our patients can trust that they will receive exceptional care across the continuum at all our facilities. This acknowledgment is a marker of our commitment to nursing excellence and our obligation to patient care."

For more information on the ANCC and its Magnet Recognition Program, you can explore their resources.

In summary, UHealth's monumental achievement in securing the Magnet with Distinction award stands as a testament to its commitment to healthcare excellence, patient care, and nursing practice. This milestone is a meaningful development for the healthcare landscape in Florida and a point of pride for the UHealth community.