By DukeHealth.org staff

Duke University Hospital has succeeded in achieving Magnet recognition for the second time from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), signifying successful implementation of the national Magnet standards for nursing excellence.

This voluntary credentialing program for hospitals recognizes excellence in nursing. In 2006, Duke University Hospital achieved Magnet designation. Hospitals must apply for redesignation every four years.

Only about 3 percent of U.S. hospitals who attempt redesignation are successful in reaching the goal.

An organization seeking to reapply for Magnet recognition must provide documented evidence of how Magnet concepts, performance, and quality were sustained and improved over the four-year period since the hospital received its initial recognition.

While at Duke, the appraisers visited nearly every inpatient unit and outpatient facility and conducted hundreds of interviews focused on staff engagement in the delivery of care and articulation of excellence in quality care outcomes.

"I’m really proud that every single person here played a major role in achieving Magnet designation again for our organization," said Mary Ann Fuchs, DNP, RN, chief nursing and patient care services officer of Duke University Health System.

"The impact it has in our organization really results in the care we deliver every single day to our patients in making this a great environment. Patients receive expert specialty care and we do it all together, every single one of us.”