Kootenai Health awarded Magnet recognition

COEUR d'ALENE - Known throughout health care circles as the gold standard in nursing excellence, Kootenai Health has achieved Magnet status yet again - a recognition held by less than 3 percent of hospitals nationwide.

On June 14, the American Nurses Credentialing Center notified Carmen Brochu, Chief Nursing Officer, that Kootenai had achieved Magnet status for the second time. Kootenai is the only hospital in the Inland Northwest with Magnet status, and one of only two in the state of Idaho. There are only 378 Magnet-recognized organizations globally.

"Receiving our redesignation as a Magnet Hospital confirms our commitment to continue enhanced quality, safety and care of our patients," Brochu said. "Each time an organization achieves Magnet status, the bar of excellence is raised."

The Magnet Recognition Program identifies health care organizations that demonstrate excellence in nursing philosophy and practice, adherence to national standards for improving patient care, leadership and sensitivity to cultural and ethnic diversity. It takes the entire organization to collaborate as a team to meet the standards set forth by the ANCC.

Applicants undergo an evaluation that includes an extensive interview and review of nursing services, clinical outcomes and patient care. Kootenai received its onsite visit from the ANCC in May.

"I am honored to work with such an engaged staff that does not settle for the status quo," Brochu said. "They strive to always be the best they can be."

Research shows there are clear benefits to hospitals that achieve Magnet status and to the communities they serve:

* Magnet recognized facilities consistently out-perform other facilities in recruiting and retaining nurses - resulting in increased stability in patient care and positive patient outcomes.

* Because quality nursing is one of the most important factors in enlisting high-caliber physicians and specialists, Magnet status becomes an attractive force that extends to the entire facility.

* Magnet recognized facilities have lower mortality rates and shorter lengths of stay.

* Health care consumers have more confidences in the overall quality of a hospital if it has achieved the level of nursing standards established by the Magnet Recognition Program.

Kootenai's Magnet status will be valid for the next four years and will include annual reviews.