OSF St. Joseph Recognized for Nursing Excellence

OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Center has once again received Magnet Recognition for excellence in nursing. OSF St. Joseph was the first designated hospital in McLean County. This latest designation means the medical center is one of only 58 health care organizations in the country to have received the honor four times in a row.

“Our fourth Magnet designation is confirmation of the outstanding care OSF St. Joseph nurses provide to our patients,” says Lisa Pittman, chief nursing officer. “Our nurses continue to exceed national benchmarks in quality and safety. This designation recognizes our continual actions to advance nursing care through leadership, innovation, clinical excellence and research.”

The American Nurses Credentialing Center awards Magnet Recognition, the highest distinction a healthcare organization can receive for nursing excellence and high-quality patient care. OSF St. Joseph has earned Magnet designation since 2008. Only 8% of U.S. hospitals earn this honor, and only 2% have reached the honor four times in a row.

The ANCC looks for evidence of excellence in the following areas: transformational leadership, exemplary professional practice, new knowledge, innovations and improvements, and more. This process was rigorous and thorough for all involved — from bedside nurse clinicians to department leaders, the executive team, and board of directors’ members.

Hospitals must reapply for the status every four years, with each facility providing evidence of excellence and undergoing a site visit that verifies all documentation, nursing satisfaction, and engagement. Pittman notes that OSF St. Joseph invests in the re-designation because it keeps the hospital on a trajectory of excellence.