#United States #Frederick #Nursing Excellence #Magnet Recognition #Frederick Health

Frederick Health Achieves Prestigious Magnet Recognition

Frederick Health has proudly secured the esteemed Magnet® redesignation for Nursing Excellence, reaffirming its dedication to exceptional patient care and nursing standards. This recognition, granted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Magnet Recognition Program, indicates a healthcare organization’s commitment to excellence in nursing practices. Frederick Health first obtained this honor in 2020 and was delighted to learn of its renewal on February 25, 2025.

The Magnet designation, which has been a gold standard in nursing for over forty years, highlights that Frederick Health is one of only a select group of hospitals that maintain this status—specifically, the only one in western Maryland. Indeed, it stands among the top 10% of Magnet-recognized healthcare organizations across the United States and is one of just twelve acute care establishments in Maryland with this special designation.

Commitment to Community Health

Healthcare consumers often view Magnet recognition as a mark of superb nursing care. The acknowledgement reinforces Frederick Health's assertion that it is making meaningful contributions to community health, ensuring that patients are not only treated effectively but are also well-informed and safe throughout their care journey. Dr. Jamie White, the Vice President of Patient Care and Chief Nursing Officer at Frederick Health, emphasized that this achievement serves as further validation of the high-quality care provided by their dedicated team.

“Earning the prestigious Magnet designation for the second time is a testament to the excellent care our team offers daily to patients,” said Dr. White. This acknowledgment also aids in the hospital's endeavors to recruit and retain exemplary nursing talent, translating to superior patient care.

Rigorous Evaluation Process

Achieving Magnet recognition entails a comprehensive and demanding evaluation process. Organizations seeking redesignation are required to navigate a rigorous application procedure that includes a three-day on-site validation conducted by the Commission on Magnet Recognition. During this validation, appraisers scrutinized a detailed 3,000-page documentation package, including evidence supporting nursing practices, and conducted discussions with nearly 500 staff members in December 2024.

Every four years, the requirements for maintaining Magnet status elevate, challenging hospitals to continuously enhance their practices. As part of this ongoing endeavor, Frederick Health showcased improvements that included increasing the percentage of nurses with advanced degrees, executing additional research studies, and enhancing patient outcomes and overall satisfaction.

Praise from Magnet Appraisers

Frederick Health's many accomplishments did not go unnoticed during the review. The Magnet appraisers recognized the organization for surpassing various national benchmarks: 100% of reporting inpatient units for blood stream infections, 100% of reporting inpatient units for pressure injuries, and 100% for key ambulatory care metrics. They also pointed out the innovative endeavors and cultural competency demonstrated by Frederick Health's Hospice and Forensic Nursing teams, highlighting their ongoing Stroke Smart Initiative.

With a nursing workforce nearing 1,000, Frederick Health is enthusiastic about this redesignation and the implications it holds for community health. The pride weaves through the organization as it reflects on the positive impact this recognition has in attracting skilled nurses who are eager to work in a supportive environment. This initiative demonstrates Frederick Health’s relentless pursuit of applying the highest standards in healthcare.

To delve deeper into Frederick Health's Magnet redesignation, interested parties are encouraged to visit their official website at frederickhealth.org/Magnet. This resource outlines the organization’s accomplishments and continued commitment to advancing nursing excellence, emphasizing how its team works tirelessly to support the health needs of the Frederick County community.

About Frederick Health

Frederick Health offers a diverse range of healthcare services dedicated to the residents of Frederick County. This comprehensive system includes the Frederick Health Hospital, Frederick Health Medical Group, and various outpatient services across the region. Committed to improving community well-being, Frederick Health employs around 4,000 team members and maintains over 20 medical specialties, supported by a network of primary care practices and urgent care centers. Its mission emphasizes a holistic approach to health, striving to enhance the quality of life for every individual it serves.