Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital once again achieved Magnet recognition – a designation that serves as a reflection of nursing professionalism, teamwork and superiority in patient care. The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program® distinguishes organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence.

With this credential, St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital is a member of the global community of Magnet-recognized organizations. Only about 10 percent (about 610) of hospitals across the country and about 40 hospitals in Ohio have achieved Magnet recognition.

“Magnet status is validation that the St. Elizabeth Youngstown nursing team is once again among the very top in the nation in providing the highest quality of care to our patients every day,” said Dr. John Luellen, president, Mercy Health – Youngstown and Lorain. “Achieving Magnet status is a rigorous process and I applaud our nurses and nursing leadership for their dedication to patient care and nursing professionalism in accomplishing this designation.”

Research demonstrates that Magnet recognition provides specific benefits to health care organizations and their communities, such as:

· Higher patient satisfaction with nurse communication, availability of help and receipt of discharge information.

· Higher job satisfaction among nurses.

· Lower nurse reports of intentions to leave their positions.

“I am extremely proud of the St. Elizabeth Youngstown team as this Magnet designation demonstrates the culture of excellence that is a key driver for our nurses,” said Stacie Call, chief nursing officer, Mercy Health – Youngstown and Lorain. “Magnet status is the ultimate benchmark on which our community can measure the quality of care delivered to patients and we are pleased that this level of care remains among the nation’s best.”

The Magnet Model provides a framework for nursing practice, research, and measurement of outcomes. Through this framework, ANCC evaluates applicants across a number of components and dimensions to gauge an organization’s nursing excellence.

“I am excited to celebrate this accomplishment and am grateful to each member of the St. Elizabeth Youngstown nursing team for their efforts in serving the health and well-being of all in the Mahoning Valley,” said Kathleen Harley, president, Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. St. Elizabeth has previously been a Magnet designated hospital and has re-earned that status.

To achieve Magnet recognition, organizations must pass a rigorous and lengthy process that demands widespread participation from leadership and staff. This process includes an

electronic application, written patient care documentation, an on-site visit, and a review by the Commission on Magnet Recognition.