opinions on Magnet hospitals?

[nursecass]

I would like to hear from some nurses that have worked in both Magnet hospitals and non-Magnet hospitals about what the difference actually is. Do you really see a difference as a bedside nurse? Was it something you enjoyed, or did it seem like a lot of hype over nothing?

I've been reading about Magnet hospitals recently (as I am planning to move soon and would like to be able to apply to a hospital with Magnet status) and have found very interesting reviews. I know that technically Magnet indicates a high nurse involvement and typically indicates a very happy nursing workforce with low turnover, however some of the things I've read online say that it's just a label, that nothing is really different, etc. So I would like to know what your experience with a Magnet status hospital is, and if you would recommend working in one if given the choice.

[Mike A. Fungin RN]

I've only worked at one Magnet hospital, but from things I've heard I get the impression that they're not all created equal. Many of the things that make a hospital a Magnet hospital (i.e. having unit councils) can vary in their implementation. Our unit council has no teeth, no power, and is basically ignored or used as a mouthpiece by administration to give the appearance of shared governance. I know it's not like that everywhere.

Don't put too much faith in the Magnet label, and instead research each facility you're looking at carefully.

[Up2nogood RN, RN]

What are your opinions about hospitals that are on the journey to magnet status?

I've only worked at my current magnet hospital and it was a royal PITA during the application process. Now things have calmed down and everything that was put in place for magnet still remains. The truth is I don't pay much attention to all the politics of the hospital, I enjoy what I do and do it well than I go home. End of story.

Bottom line is just because a hospital has magnet status doesn't mean it to be necessarily so if management doesn't walk the talk. I have just been fortunate enough to work in one that does.

[Up2nogood RN, RN]

Bam. You both hit the nail on the head. Once a hospital gets Magnet status, you better believe its is on all the commercials, billboards, and all manner of propaganda.

I've never seen my hospital advertise magnet status on billboards or commercials, just a small symbol on the website. Maybe some do but not in my area.

[jnick31]

I'm not sure exactly who came up with the idea... I think it may have just been managements way of getting the staff on board with the idea, for some type of incentive.