Connect

Our nursing colleagues are making final preparations for the Magnet site visit, which will be conducted virtually by four appraisers Sept. 15-18. The site visit is the final step in the Magnet redesignation process, which happens every four years. Magnet is important for nursing, but it is also important for all of us. Here’s why. 

1. Magnet designation indicates UVA Health’s nursing care is top-notch

Magnet is a national designation that honors health care organizations for meeting nursing benchmarks, and UVA is in a top-tier of hospitals – less than 10% – with a Magnet designation.

2. Magnet designation is a reflection of UVA Health as a whole

“To be Magnet designated is not just about nursing excellence," says Mary Dixon, RN, Chief Nursing Officer (pictured above). "It requires a culture of excellence within the organization and exceptional interprofessional collaboration that allows nursing to flourish.”

3. This visit demonstrates the power and possibilities of virtual work

Having the Magnet site visit occur virtually marks a significant change, but our virtual preparation process has been an even bigger one. Jennifer “JT” Hall, RN, Magnet Program Coordinator, hosted approximately 75 WebEx prep sessions in August. The sessions were grouped by practice settings, like acute care, critical care, and clinics. Hall partnered with Health Information Technology and Telehealth for the massive undertaking.

4. Magnet priorities remind us we have a lot to be proud of

This year has been difficult for everyone personally and professionally. With increased stress and fatigue across the organization, Magnet requires us to “have some perspective on the last four years instead of the last four months,” says Hall. “There is substantial excellence to be reflected upon.”