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“Being Magnet” is a lifestyle and a culture that we commit to every day at UVA Health, and sometimes, we don’t even realize we are doing it. Being Magnet is what Jennifer “JT” Hall, RN, Magnet Program Coordinator, describes as “responding to stressors with a culture of inclusion, front-line intelligence, input, commitment to safety, and commitment to a good work environment.”

Being a Magnet hospital is an elite honor that is enjoyed by less than 10% of healthcare institutions. Magnet redesignation occurs every four years and includes a two-part process of documentation and site visit. The supporting documentation was submitted to Magnet last year, and now the final step has arrived.

From Sept. 15 to 18, we will have the chance to demonstrate what being Magnet really means when appraisers visit us virtually. It will be our turn to show off the quality care we provide, the innovations we have made, and how everyone at UVA Health makes this a great place to give and receive care.

As the days dwindle down until the virtual site visit, there is a mixture of excitement, stress, nerves, and confidence felt among the team.

“Our nurses and interprofessional team members are getting energized and ready for the site visit,” says Mary Dixon, RN, Chief Nursing Officer. “The stress level of everyone has been very high over the past months with the challenges of COVID, the volume of patients who need our services across the continuum, and the highest level of illness of our patients we have ever seen (defined by Case Mix Index). The Magnet site visit is an opportunity to take a deep breath and recognize the difference each of us makes to our patients and our team members.”

About 800 team members are scheduled to be interviewed by four Magnet appraisers, which is no small logistical feat. A choreographed dance of moving pieces is organized in what Hall describes as “1 zillion spreadsheets.” Much planning has been accomplished, yet “there’s still an incredible amount of detail between now and Tuesday,” says Hall.

For those involved in the site visit, sleep might be hard to come by over the next few days. For everyone else at UVA Health, now is the time to support your nursing colleagues and show pride in your work.

“You may not be directly involved in the site visit, but you are part of the culture,” says Hall. “Being Magnet means the entire organization demonstrates excellence. During the site visit, I hope that team members are able to offer encouraging words to those participating and help cover patients so others can participate. That’s not a small thing to ask, especially right now when things are so busy.”

On this eve of one of the biggest days in nursing, Dixon offers some last-minute advice to our colleagues: “Relax, think of all you are proud of in your daily practice at UVA Health, and take this opportunity to shine!”

Pictured above: Mary Dixon, RN, Chief Nursing Officer (left), and Charlotte Brouwer, RN, MICU
Pictured below: JT Hall, RN, Magnet Program Coordinator