UC San Diego Health System Honored with Magnet® Status

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Margarita Baggett, CNO, Interim COO, UC San Diego Health System

On December 12, 2011, UC San Diego Health System was bestowed Magnet^® status by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The Magnet Recognition Program^® recognizes health care organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovations in nursing practice. UC San Diego Health System is one of 25 health systems in California to achieve this prestigious recognition.

“Today we celebrate Magnet status, an incredible accomplishment for UC San Diego Health System,” said Margarita Baggett, MSN, RN, chief nursing officer and interim chief operating officer at UC San Diego Health System. “I wish to personally thank all of our nurses, physicians, residents, researchers, pharmacists, and staff for their contributions in making this goal a reality.”

Patients and families may rely on Magnet designation as the ultimate credential for high quality nursing. Developed by the ANCC, Magnet is the leading source of successful nursing practices and strategies worldwide. In addition to Magnet status, UC San Diego Health System received an exemplar for excellence in nursing research.

“Magnet status recognizes the commitment UC San Diego Health System has made to achieving the highest standards in patient care,” said Tom McAfee, MD, interim CEO for UC San Diego Health System.  “This is a milestone, not our final destination, as we continue our journey to providing the best health care in the country.”

Designation as a Magnet hospital is based on strengths in five key areas which include transformational leadership, structural empowerment, exemplary professional practice, new knowledge, innovation and improvements and empirical quality results. UC San Diego began its Magnet journey in April 2008. 

Research shows Magnet designation attracts highly qualified physicians and specialists; fosters a climate that reinforces collaborative working relationships; and above all, improves patient quality outcomes by establishing standards of excellence which health care organizations must attain.  

UC San Diego Health System is the region’s only academic health system, with a mission of providing excellent and compassionate patient care, advancing medical discoveries and educating future health care professionals. It comprises UC San Diego Medical Center in Hillcrest, and UC San Diego Thornton Hospital, Moores Cancer Center, Shiley Eye Center, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center and Jacobs Medical Center (slated to open in 2016) in La Jolla, as well as other primary and specialty practices of UC San Diego Medical Group.

In 2011, UC San Diego Health System received the UHC Quality Leadership Award and was recognized as a Top Hospital by the Leapfrog Group, Top Overall Physician Performing Organization by the Integrated Healthcare Association, and first in U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals metro area rankings.

For more information, visit http://health.ucsd.edu

The Magnet Recognition Program®, ANCC Magnet Recognition®, Magnet® names and logos are registered trademarks of the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Journey to Magnet Excellence™ and National Magnet Conference® are trademarks of the American Nurses Credentialing Center. All rights reserved.