My organization is attempting to become Magnet certified and I'm curious to hear from other RNs, particularly those in management about this issue. it seems that the amount of money being sunk into certification is ludicrous. Books, emails, manhours, consultants, meeting after meeting after meeting, structuring, restructuring, extra meetings, etc. I understand it is prestegious (allegedly) to be a Magneet facility, but does that actually affect the bottom line in the end or is this just another way that medical costs are being inflated? The fact that the term "Magnet" is legally TRADEMARKED in the U.S. tells me that someone in a marketing department somewhere decided it would be a good idea and began selling it as "helping". I know some parts are useless (according to a business professor I know, Shared Governance is a way for administration to control employees by giving them the illusion of input and control while admin makes the final decisions regardless of recommendation- essentially a sham) and that ADN nurses are evil in their eyes (or they just do a really good job of making us feel worthless). but what about the average customer? Does it really affect their decision, especially considering it's really the insurance that decides where the patient is able to go? Do they see a bump in business or is it merely a cash funnel for the sake of making the founders rich?
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Well said! Very well said!
The problem I think is that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. I worked at a couple magnet facilities in which the work conditions for nursing was horrific and the turnover rate was ridiculous. They may have been "magnet" but it sure didn't feel like it. Is this something that the States should look into like Texas did (Texas wins again! Too bad they still have the Dallas Cowboys...) or should this be done on a hospital-by-hospital or organizational level?
Personally, the more I'm in nursing the more I think the ANA has their heads stuck in the dark ages. I continuously hear about "legitimizing the practice of nursing", but so many decisions they make or recommend are hurting much more than helping. For example, with the rise of medical protocols, has the nursing diagnosis outlived its usefulness? How many actually use that in their practices? I haven't seen hide nor hair since nursing school.
I digress. $200,000 for Magnet? How big was the facility? Inpatient/outpaitnet/both? Are their renewal requirements or is it a one-time cost? I know that there are subsequent manhour costs for committee meetings, shared governance, materials, etc, but is this like JCAHO where there is a renewal fee? If it were up to me, if you really want to improve your nursing you could take that 200 grand and hire 3 nurses. That would sure help...
That was the singular cash payout to "get" the certification. They are similar to The JC in renewal and fees I don't remember what they were I left the facility...it was a joke...all lip service no subsistence. The behind the scenes disdain of nursing behind closed doors from upper senior management was shocking. The facility had 180-200 licensed beds. OB/nursery were closed. About 20,000/annual to the ED and did simple surgeries and lots of out patient/same day. Large sleep lab.
I am a big believer in shared governance--I've been at a hospital where I felt it worked very well, and it was one of the main things that was "missing" at my last position that I felt could have improved things substantially. I've no doubt that it can be a joke, but I think, implemented well, it's a great improvement.
Specializes in MICU, SICU, CVICU, CCU, and Neuro ICU.
Magnet is just another marketing tool. Hospitals believe they will attract more patients/customers and more doctors to bring patients to the facility if the hospital is magnet certified. Otherwise, the hospital would not pay for the certification and re-certification.
I've worked at magnet hospitals, non magnet hospitals, and went back to a non magnet hospital after it was magnet certified. I really see no difference in my day to day working environment between most magnet and non magnet hospitals. If magnet was truly about improving patient care and improving the nurses working environment and skills, the requirements would be completely different. That has been covered in other posts on this forum.
I work at a large university hospital and we became magnet certified last year. Cannot really tell you I see any changes at the bedside level. Patient nurse ratio has not changed in fact it has increased. We no longer get professional leave for education. They spoke of all the benefits to nurses while going through the process of getting certified, I have yet to see any.
Here is what I don't understand about Magnet. I took a job at a magnet hospital. Their requirement is that all new RNs must obtain their BSN within 3 years of hire. I have a bachelors in psychology, a diploma in nursing, and a Masters in Health Administration. How is having the BSN going to make me a better nurse?
Shared governence is such an illusion. It is a clever way to get the unions out, then have administrators making all of the decisions.
I am not sure that anyone can tell an ambulance "Hey, bring me to the magnet hospital". Nor would any who are ill go miles out of their way to get to a magnet facility.
We have nursing adminstrators quoting the ANA all the time. I think it is a neat-o way to create their own universe where everyone is compliant to the point of raising the bottom line.
And usually occurs when big business comes and gobbles up small community hospitals.
ANCC is part of ANA. Look at their website for more info.
I too think the magnet thing is a scam. We elected not to do it as it is expensive and we did not feel our patients understood the marketing ploy (only value I see) and we did not need to attract better nurses as our market has plenty.
Specializes in Cath Lab, ICU's, Pediatric Critical Care.
'I worked at a couple magnet facilities in which the work conditions for nursing was horrific and the turnover rate was ridiculous. They may have been "magnet" but it sure didn't feel like it.'
Sounds like a comment my sister made...She is currently working as a medical technologist (BS, MS...20+ years experience) in a micro lab in a Magnet hospital in the Philadelphia area. She said she receives specimens from nurses, including from the ICU's, without proper labeling, nurses clueless as to how to properly obtain various specimens, nurses who do not know the basics of microbiology when it comes to information/identification about bacteria, viruses. When she calls back stat results, she frequently encounters questions related to the results she is giving. She goes up to several of the nursing units to give 'mini' inservices when she can...she said it is very apparent that the nurses are very short staffed and frustrated with their jobs. She also made a comment about the nurses being very young...lol...she's 48 and I'm 62...so I guess so!
I know this isn't from a nursing perspective, but wanted to share.
Indus is correct. Nurses have a hard time being proficient in their skills and lab skills as well, especially when they are tired and busy. Thanks for the input
Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN
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