What about Magnet Status - Essay Example

Magnet Status INTRODUCTION: Introduced in the late 20th century, Magnet Status became popular to distinguish health facilities providing more than efficient care to the patients. An era which faced a lack of nurses in the US, some hospitals still maintained proper nursing facilities which attracted more patients because of a better in-patient care hence the name Magnet Status. (Scott et al, 1999, p.g. 9). “Magnet Status” is given to a facility or organization that has a few attributes. A facility is given the magnet status tag when it has substantial nursing practice, positive patients, improved patient outcomes and a professional working environment.

The Magnet program in hospitals is designed to facilitate nurses and their practices (Wise, 2009, p.g. 205). Magnet hospitals have portrayed structural qualities. These qualities allow the nurses to work efficiently. The magnet hospitals also give nurses a chance to use their knowledge and capability by which they can produce excellent patient care (Havens et al, 1999, p.g. 14). PROS OF MAGNET STATUS: Magnet hospitals have been present since two decades. Various studies have been conducted to study the pros and benefits of magnet hospitals.

Results of the studies have proved that superior working environment for nurses at Magnet hospitals is beneficial for patient outcomes. Better working environment leads to higher nurse job satisfaction. Due to these pros, less nurses leave their jobs and are not exhausted. Evidence from studies is indicative that Magnet hospitals should be classified as the “best practice.” (Kelly et al, 2011, p.g.428). To summarize excellence in nursing has a two-fold benefit as it benefits patients and nurses (Lewis et al, 1998, pg. 51). CONS OF MAGNET STATUS: Studies have shown that finding magnet hospitals these days is quiet difficult since the requirement are more than what a hospital could offer these days.

Also, the work schedule required for hospitals to get this status is not possible to be infuse into the environment of the hospital (Pizzi, 2010). Other cons that these facilities get are that they only empower a nurse’s illusion. Acquiring magnet recognition is not easy as it is a procedure that requires labor and time (Magnet Reognition, n.d). SUMMARY: Magnet status is a term that has been circulating in the health care industry for over two decades now. Health care facilities which provide autonomy, distributed organizational structures, helpful management and self-governance to the nursing staff are given the “magnet” status.

Patients admitted at magnet status hospitals have a better mortality rate as compared non-magnet status hospitals. The main cons such facilities face is that nurses face unorganized work schedules, requirement of resources and time according to some studies. Various studies have proved that magnet status hospitals have positive outcomes such as better mortality rates hence they should be promoted. It is commended that hospitals apply for magnet reputation to improve their services.REFERENCESWise, Nancy J.

"Maintaining magnet status: establishing an evidence-based practice committee." AORN journal 90.2 (2009): 205-213.Havens, Donna Sullivan, and Linda H. Aiken. "Shaping systems to promote desired outcomes: the magnet hospital model." Journal of Nursing Administration 29.2 (1999): 14-20.Scott, Joan Gleason, Julie Sochalski, and Linda Aiken. "Review of magnet hospital research: findings and implications for professional nursing practice."Journal of Nursing Administration 29.1 (1999): 9-19.Kelly, Lesly A.

, Matthew D. McHugh, and Linda H. Aiken. "Nurse outcomes in Magnet® and non-magnet hospitals." The Journal of nursing administration41.10 (2011): 428.Lewis, Carolyn K., and Jennifer H. Matthews. "Magnet program designates exceptional nursing services." AJN The American Journal of Nursing 98.12 (1998): 51-52.Pizzi, Richard. “Study: Magnet hospitals dont offer better working conditions for nurses.” (2010) retrieved from : http://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/study-magnet-hospitals-dont-offer-better-working-conditions-nurses“Magnet Recognition” retrieved from http://www.

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