Baylor Dallas Nationally Recognized For Nursing Excellence

Main Category: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 22 Apr 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) has announced that Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas (Baylor Dallas) has earned re-designation as a Magnet hospital, effective immediately. Fewer than six percent of hospitals nationwide have been designated at a Magnet hospital, and merely two percent of the nation's hospitals have received Magnet re-designation.

ANCC surveyors grant Magnet designation only to hospitals that undergo the rigorous, voluntary evaluation process and an extensive on-site inspection. Hospitals that receive this coveted designation are committed to providing a work environment that empowers nurses and values their contributions to patient care.

Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas first achieved Magnet status for "Excellence in Nursing Services" in 2004. Reapplication and a site visit are required every four years to maintain Magnet designation. Hospitals that follow the ANCC's "blueprint" for excellence in nursing practice, education, research and nursing leadership create "a magnet" for the recruitment and retention of highly skilled nurses. Magnet hospitals also have shown higher levels of nurse satisfaction, patient satisfaction, better outcomes and shorter lengths of stay. Magnet hospitals attract and retain skilled nurses by providing the educational opportunities, recognition, rewards, technology and tools required to give excellent patient care.

"ANCC told us 'you all have proven that nursing excellence is in Baylor's DNA' which got staff really excited," says chief nursing officer Claudia Wilder, MSN, RN, CNAA-BC. "The ANCC continued our conference call by applauding Baylor's commitment to evidence-based practice, nursing research and quality patient outcomes."

It's the strong commitment to patient, families and the entire staff that makes nurses proud to be at Baylor. Wilder continues, "While this recognition is given by a nursing organization, it's truly an honor that can be shared by the entire medical center staff. It takes the support of all of our colleagues to help us be successful in obtaining Magnet re-designation."

Those sentiments are confirmed by Baylor Dallas president John McWhorter. "Earning and retaining Magnet status is the highest level of recognition for our nurses. This recognition is just one more way our community can see that patients can expect qualified, compassionate nursing staff each time they visit Baylor Dallas."

About Baylor Dallas

Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, a 1025-bed not-for-profit academic hospital, is a major patient care and research center in the southwest. The nationally acclaimed medical center serves as flagship hospital for Baylor Health Care System and has been recertified as a Magnet hospital for "Excellence in Nursing Services" from the American Nurses Credentialing Center -- the organization's highest level of recognition. In addition to its Level 1 trauma center, Baylor Dallas is also home to many nationally ranked centers of excellence including transplant, cardiovascular services, orthopaedics, oncology, digestive diseases, neurosciences and gynecology. In 2008, U.S. News & World Report recognized Baylor Dallas in five specialty areas for the 16th consecutive year in its "America's Best Hospitals" guide.

Source: Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas

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