MedStar St. Mary’s Becomes Fifth MedStar Health Hospital to Earn Magnet Recognition for Nursing

Fewer than 10% of hospitals nationally achieve this prestigious designation.

COLUMBIA, Md. – MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital has become the fifth MedStar Health Hospital to be Magnet® Recognized for its excellence in nursing care. Presented by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), Magnet Recognition is one of the highest and most prestigious distinctions a healthcare organization can achieve in the United States with fewer than 10% of hospitals nationally holding the designation.

“We are honored to be named a Magnet-recognized hospital,” said Mimi Novello, MD, MBA, FACEP, president and chief medical officer of MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital. “We have an incredible team that has embraced the principles of Magnet to build a culture of exceptional quality and care. I am extremely proud of the amazing care provided at our hospital every day and the tremendous dedication of our staff.”

To achieve Magnet Recognition a hospital must demonstrate excellence in nursing leadership, clinical practice, innovation, and patient outcomes. Hospitals must meet and exceed national standards for nursing practice and create an environment of professional growth and commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in nursing practice.

Research shows Magnet-recognized hospitals typically provide a higher quality of patient care, including lower mortality rates and increased patient satisfaction. Magnet hospitals also experience lower turnover and lower rates of dissatisfaction among nursing staff. The recognition is also directly linked to a hospital's ability to attract and retain qualified, highly educated nursing staff.

“Our team has worked very hard to meet the standards of the Magnet recognition program,” said Dawn Yeitrakis, MS, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, vice president and chief nursing officer of MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital. “The journey to this moment has been one of discovery and incredible growth and this recognition highlights the great work our nursing and hospital team does every day.”

MedStar St. Mary's was recognized by the ANCC with eight exemplars—one for Structural Empowerment and seven for Exemplary Professional Practice. Exemplars underscore exception performance in the various elements of the Magnet model.

“This Magnet designation is not just a recognition of past achievements,” said Yeitrakis, “it is a commitment from our team to continue to excel and innovate our nursing care. We are steadfastly dedicated to continuing to improve patient care as well as the overall healthcare experience for all those we serve.”