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Magnet Nursing
National Acknowledgement of Highest Nursing Standards
Congratulations to The Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital for receiving the Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service for the second time! The Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital was awarded this honor on February 13, 2004 by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and received redesignation on July 16, 2008. The magnet award is the highest level of recognition awarded by the ANCC.
What is the Magnet Award for Excellence?
The Magnet Recognition Program for Excellence in Nursing Services was developed by the ANCC in 1994 to recognize facilities that provide the very best in nursing care and uphold the tradition within nursing that supports professional nursing practice. The program is based on quality indicators and standards of nursing practice.
Why is Magnet status important?
Magnet status is important because it acknowledges hospitals that act as a "magnet" for excellence by creating a work environment that recognizes, rewards, and promotes professional nursing. It sets us above other institutions that haven't been able to achieve this status.
What does Magnet recognition mean to The Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital patients?
- Improved recruitment and retention of qualified, competent staff
- Increased quality of patient care
- Improved nurse to patient ratios
- Improved patient care outcomes
- Lower morbidity and mortality rates
- Increased patient satisfaction
The Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital nurses demonstrate the Forces of Magnetism on a daily basis in diverse practice setting.
The quality of nursing leadership is demonstrated at The Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital by fostering staff participation in problem solving, supporting a shared governance model since 1989, participation at staff meetings, encouraging nurse autonomy and accountability, and in promoting excellent standards of nursing practice and patient care.
From left to right: Connie Jastremski, RN, Vice President of Nursing and Patient Care Services; Barbara Curran, RN, Assistant Vice President of Nursing; Gaffney Armitstead, RN; Cody Rose, NUC; Florence Strong, PCA; Kelly Ward, LPN; Candice Seamon, RN; Jolene Bowen, LPN; Margaret Kiss, RN.
The provision of quality care is central to our nursing department and is demonstrated by evidence based care standards and reflected in our low patient falls and pressure ulcers. Nurses are key initiators involved in quality improvement projects, such as the admission nurse role.
Admission Nurse Joanne Sirtoli, RN; Bassett Patient, Mr. Gray
The Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital nursing by-laws support the autonomy of the clinical nurse by stating, "The hallmark of the professional nurse is the ability to practice in a self-determined manner while adhering to established ethical and practice standards." Nursing autonomy is lived out in various ways on a daily basis at The Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital; for example, in team rounds, nurses are involved with clinical decision making at the patient and unit level.
Sherrie Yerdon, Case Manager, RN and Lydia Saltsman, RN present at team rounds with members of the physician team.
Nurses are teachers throughout our organization as mentors for new staff and in the professional development of others. Nurses teach patients and families in ongoing nursing care and self-care. Nurses teach in formal programs such as the Preceptor Program, the Partnership Model, the Nursing Resource Role, and in orientation.
Dana Peeters, RN teaching telemetry skills to Aurora Zappa, RN
The Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital nurses have access to clinically expert nurses for consultation and resources. We have four doctoral prepared nurses and about 80 master's prepared nurses, who are providers and resources for patient care in their areas of expertise. Resource nurses, clinical coordinators, nurse educators and case managers also provide clinical consultation. Advance practice nurses are well utilized in the organization in roles of nurse practitioner, nurse-anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist and nurse midwife.
Bassett Healthcare-Herkimer nurses consulting on a patient. Wendy Ceneviva, LPN; Barb Lennox, RN; Bob Reese, RRT (Pulmonary Dept.); Sheila Gahan, FNP; Julia Brown, LPN; not pictured, Pat Jacob, PA.
The Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital invests in the professional growth & development of nurses through varied educational opportunities such as: the clinical ladder program, orientation and continuing education programs, skills labs, tuition assistance, and the Partnership Program.
Tier 1 Orientation: Betsy Foster, RN; Rebekah Chrysler, RN; Marianne Shelton, RN; Jessica Barrett, RN; Corrine Stickles, RN; Rebecca Teall, RN; and Karen Cady, RN.
The Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital includes the Bassett Clinic and its 25 health centers located around central New York.
