From the Research
Magnet status requires healthcare organizations to demonstrate evidence-based practice through five key components, as outlined in the most recent and highest quality study 1. To achieve Magnet status, organizations must establish transformational leadership that creates a vision for evidence-based care and provides necessary resources. Some key points to consider when implementing this include:
- A structural empowerment framework must be implemented, giving nurses authority to participate in decision-making and access to information, support, and resources.
- Exemplary professional practice must be evident through systematic nursing processes, interdisciplinary collaboration, and autonomous nursing practice.
- New knowledge and innovation must be prioritized through research utilization, quality improvement initiatives, and the implementation of best practices.
- Empirical quality outcomes must be measured and documented, showing improvements in patient care, nurse satisfaction, and organizational effectiveness. The process to achieve Magnet status is rigorous and typically takes 2-4 years to complete, requiring ongoing commitment to maintaining evidence-based standards throughout the organization, as supported by research 2, 1. Key areas to focus on include:
- Staffing models
- Education and certification
- Engagement By using the Magnet framework as a guide and support, organizations can create a culture of excellence and achieve the coveted Magnet credential, as discussed in the most recent study 1. The benefits of achieving Magnet status are numerous, including improved nurse engagement and better patient outcomes, as supported by over 35 years of research 1.