All nurses want to deliver the best care to achieve the best patient outcomes. Having the resources you need to deliver evidence-based care and being empowered to deliver that care, is paramount to achieving the best patient outcomes.

Magnet designation has come to stand for quality care, at a quality institution, by quality nurses. According to Karen Drenkard, the Director, Magnet Recognition Program of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), "When ANCC started the Magnet program over 20 years ago, it was done predominantly as a recruitment and retention strategy for nurses. Today the Magnet designation signifies outstanding patient care in a safe, high quality environment; development, dissemination, and enculturalization of exceptional nursing practices and strategies; a supportive, innovative workplace that empowers nurses; and superior clinical outcomes." (1)

Make no mistake; Magnet designation does make a difference. In the annual "America's Best Hospitals" report in U.S. News & World Report, 7 of the top 10 facilities were Magnet facilities. In fact, Magnet designated hospitals rank higher overall than non-Magnet hospitals.

For those of you that work in a facility that is working towards Magnet designation or if you're interested in adopting some of the Magnet ideals at your facility, we've assembled a collection of resources that will help you navigate the Magnet journey.