#USA #Pediatric Health #Aurora #Children's Colorado #Magnet Recognition

Children's Hospital Colorado Celebrates Fifth Magnet Redesignation

In a remarkable achievement, Children's Hospital Colorado (Children's Colorado) has received the esteemed Magnet Redesignation for an impressive fifth consecutive time. Recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Magnet Recognition Program®, this honor sets only 1.4% of hospitals nationally apart, highlighting exceptional nursing standards and patient care that truly reflect excellence in practice.

The Journey to Magnet Status

Pursuing Magnet status is no small feat. It requires hospitals to comply with stringent guidelines related to nursing excellence and patient care traditions. Only a small fraction of hospitals in the United States join this elite league, where 10% proudly carry Magnet status. Achieving this designation repeatedly showcases a steadfast commitment to improving and maintaining exemplary nursing outcomes.

Jennifer Roth, Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Executive, expressed, "Achieving and maintaining Magnet recognition for 20 years is a mark of excellence that truly sets Children's Colorado apart. This recognition serves as a beacon to patients and families, confirming they can expect outstanding, tailored care for their unique needs." Roth's words echo the paramount importance of maintaining high standards in nursing practices, ensuring families receive the best healthcare possible.

Areas of Distinction

In addition to the Magnet redesignation, Children's Colorado earned nine exemplary awards for areas that not only met but exceeded Magnet standards. One significant area noted by appraisers was the advancement in patient outcomes, reflected in key quality indicators and patient experience scores surpassing national benchmarks. The recognition of nurse-led advocacy highlighted a commitment to empowering nurses to influence policies positively.

Notably, Laura Pickford, a clinical practice specialist, was celebrated for her public policy training initiatives aimed at enhancing nurses' skills to impact legislative decisions—profoundly improving children's health outcomes across Colorado and Wyoming. Furthermore, the innovative care model in the pediatric inpatient psychiatric unit received high praise, along with the pioneering work in photobiomodulation therapy, which assists in minimizing chemotherapy-related side effects.

The Appraisal Process

The Magnet Recognition Program® evaluators conducted extensive reviews of various departments over three days in August, engaging with hundreds of staff members for over 80 hours. This collaborative effort showcased exceptional nursing practices and proved how vital each team member's role is in maintaining Children's Colorado’s leading position in pediatric healthcare excellence.

"We cannot express enough gratitude for the incredible teamwork and unwavering dedication showcased by our staff, who have made our Magnet recognition a reality for the past 20 years," stated Jena Hausmann, President and CEO of Children’s Colorado. The hospital's leadership reflects a collective effort to ensure that every nurse and healthcare worker contributes meaningfully to patient care.

Advantages of Magnet Recognition

Research has consistently shown that hospitals with Magnet status yield significant benefits in patient outcomes. They report lower patient fall rates, minimal medication errors, reduced mortality rates, and heightened overall patient and family satisfaction. These hospitals also demonstrate improved nurse work environments, contributing to lower turnover rates within nursing staff.

Lisa Peters, Magnet Program Director at Children’s Colorado, emphasized that pediatric nurses exemplify the philosophy that "our everyday is extraordinary." Their relentless pursuit of innovative methods to improve care is what drives the ongoing transformation of pediatric health systems.

A Legacy of Excellence

Children’s Colorado had its initial Magnet designation in 2005, successfully renewing it in 2011, 2015, and recently in 2020. This ongoing commitment signifies that the hospital continually strives to elevate care quality, ensuring adherence to Magnet principles and demonstrating patient care and quality improvements. The Magnet designation is recognized across all Children's Colorado locations, including the academic medical center on the Anschutz Medical Campus and regional hospitals in Colorado Springs, Highlands Ranch, and Broomfield.

Kathie Seerup, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Children’s Colorado, is leading the southern region’s journey towards achieving its first Magnet designation and continues to advocate for nursing excellence.

Conclusion

David Marshall, Executive Committee Chair of the ANCC Commission on Magnet®, aptly remarked that this accomplishment underscores Children's Hospital Colorado's pledge to nursing excellence. The Magnet designation not only highlights the team members' incredible contributions but also reminds them of their enduring commitment to the patients they serve. As Children’s Colorado sets its sights on the future, its legacy of excellence remains exemplary in shaping pediatric healthcare both locally and nationally.