UW Medical Center is 1st in U.S. to earn nursing distinction

The University of Washington Medical Center-Montlake in Seattle has become the first hospital in the United States to earn seven consecutive “Magnet” designations for gold-standard nursing excellence, as defined by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

UW Medical Center also was the hospital chosen to inaugurate the Magnet designation program, in 1994.

“I am so proud and honored to work with such a distinguished team,” said Cindy Sayre, chief nursing officer at the Montlake campus. “Every nurse in the hospital was instrumental to this achievement, which recognizes the excellent care we provide to our patients every day.”

Sayre received notice Nov. 16 of the unanimous-vote designation from Jeanette Ives Erickson, chair of the ANCC’s Commission on Magnet Recognition. The hospital, Ives Erickson said, has delivered exemplary care, in particular during the emergence of the COVID-19 epidemic.

“The good work that you did, not only within your own organization, but the rest of us benefited from … your sharing of policies and procedures, keeping nurses across the country informed. On behalf of a grateful nation, we want to thank all of you for paving the way through three of the most difficult years we have had in healthcare,” Ives Erickson told Sayre via Zoom. 

Hospitals achieve Magnet recognition by having outstanding clinical practice that results in better patient care, Sayre said, and for having protocols that empower nurses to be autonomous, to initiate change to policy and clinical care, and to advance into roles with greater responsibility. Magnet recognition is in effect for four years.

Other Washington state hospitals carrying the Magnet designation are Harborview Medical Center, Seattle Children’s, Providence St. Peter in Olympia and Providence Holy Family in Spokane.

The designation serves as a recruiting tool, as well, Sayre added. “Nurses looking for employment can be assured that they’re going to be supported to practice at the highest scope of their license. It validates that we have supportive policies that help nurses.”