Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital has earned redesignation as a Magnet Recognition Program® by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This is the second time the hospital has garnered this prestigious distinction. Memorial Hermann Southwest first earned Magnet recognition in 2018 and is one of only 62 hospitals to do so in Texas.
The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes healthcare organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovation in professional nursing practice. Magnet recognition is the highest possible organizational credential granted by the ANCC, the largest and most prominent nursing credentialing organization in the United States. Hospitals must excel in several areas, including nursing standards and practices, patient care, and innovations in nursing leadership and management to earn Magnet status.
"Designation as a Magnet facility recognizes the excellence and commitment of our nursing staff and entire workforce," said Malisha Patel, Senior Vice President and CEO of Memorial Hermann Southwest. "To achieve this honor a second time during an unprecedented historic and challenging time underscores our team's ongoing commitment to provide exceptional quality care to our patients every day. This level of excellence is not only a mark of this team's dedication but also a force of inspiration throughout our community."
Before a hospital is selected for Magnet recognition, the ANCC completes a rigorous evaluation process that includes on-site visits, reviews of written documentation, staff and patient satisfaction surveys and interviews. Initial Magnet recognition is valid for four years and, during that time, hospitals and nursing staff are closely monitored, evaluated, and surveyed to ensure they remain in compliance with the program's high standards. At the end of the four-year period, hospitals must re-apply and again undergo the challenging evaluation process.
“Achieving our second Magnet designation reinforces the culture of high-quality patient care that we strive for,” said Gillian Alexander, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial Hermann Southwest. “I’m thankful for our nurses, affiliated physicians and staff who were able to make this possible once again. It is evidence of our commitment to providing our patients with the best care and we are extremely proud of continuing this gold standard for nursing excellence.”
Studies have demonstrated that Magnet-recognized hospitals typically provide a higher quality of patient care, including lower mortality rates and better patient satisfaction. Magnet hospitals also experience lower turnover and lower rates of burnout among nursing staff. The recognition is also directly linked to a hospital's ability to attract and retain qualified, highly educated nursing staff.
Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital is one of seven Magnet hospitals within the Memorial Hermann Health System. The other six are Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital, Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center, Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center, and Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center.