OSF St. Joseph Medical Center - Magnet Certification

The journey began in 2004, but the reward came just before Christmas. On December 15, 2008, OSF St. Joseph Medical Center became the first hospital in McLean County to achieve Magnet Recognition, and only the 18th in the state of Illinois.

The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes healthcare organizations that demonstrate excellence in nursing practice and adherence to national standards for the organization and delivery of nursing services.
The Commission on Magnet recognizes less than 5 percent of hospitals in the United States for their excellence in nursing.

OSF St. Joseph Medical Center employees gathered that Monday afternoon in an overflowing conference room anxiously awaiting a phone call from the American Nurses Credential Center (ANCC).

At 3:45 p.m. sharp, the phone rang. Silence filled the air. After brief hellos were exchanged, the ANCC's 11-member Commission on Magnet announced it was a unanimous decision to designate OSF St. Joseph Medical Center a Magnet hospital.

The crowd cheered as tears filled the eyes of the many employees who worked hard to make sure this accomplishment came to fruition.

"Magnet Recognition recognizes the excellent work our nurses do each day and reflects the commitment of our entire staff to serve as a team, providing the highest quality care possible for the people of our community," said Ken Natzke, president and CEO of OSF St. Joseph Medical Center.

Magnet applicants undergo a rigorous evaluation process, including written documentation of 14 specific areas of nursing practice called Forces of Magnetism. Hospitals also partake in extensive interviews and an on-site review of nursing services. Magnet Recognition lasts four years, during which time the ANCC monitors the hospital closely to ensure it maintains high standards of care. ANCC is the world's largest and most prestigious nurse credentialing organization, and a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association.