CHI St. Vincent Infirmary, Arkansas’s first hospital to achieve Magnet status, has earned its first redesignation as a Magnet hospital for its continued commitment to nursing excellence and patient care, CHI St. Vincent leaders learned on May 24, 2018.

The Magnet designation is the highest honor an organization can receive for professional nursing practice. It recognizes excellence in nursing leadership, clinical practice, innovations and positive outcomes. CHI St. Vincent Infirmary is one of just over 400 Magnet hospitals nationwide and one of just two in Arkansas. As a Magnet institution, it employs the highest standards of quality and ensures that patient care and safety are the top priority. Studies show that Magnet hospitals have better overall patient outcomes than non-Magnet hospitals.

“The Magnet designation is an independent verification of the excellence demonstrated every day by our nurses at CHI St. Vincent Infirmary,” said Polly Davenport, president of CHI St. Vincent Infirmary. “Our journey to this designation made us a better hospital, as we identified ways to strengthen our nursing program. Over the past four years, we’ve made additional improvements in patient safety and quality, and we’re honored to be redesignated as a Magnet hospital.”

The announcement by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program follows a rigorous recertification process that included site visits, nurse and patient interviews and public comments. Magnet hospitals are recertified every four years. CHI St. Vincent Infirmary first earned Magnet status in 2013.

In a telephone call with CHI St. Vincent Infirmary leaders today, an ANCC official said it was a unanimous decision by the ANCC committee to certify CHI St. Vincent Infirmary as a Magnet hospital for the second time. The ANCC official said CHI St. Vincent Infirmary demonstrated that it is dedicated to its nurses and to the patients and families it serves.

“I am blessed and privileged to lead nurses who are dedicated to the profession and to providing excellent and compassionate patient care,” said Nancy Brown, chief nursing officer at CHI St. Vincent Infirmary. “Nurses are fundamental to any hospital’s success and critical to patient outcomes. I’m grateful for the partnership and teamwork among everyone involved in helping to retain Magnet status.”

Multiple research studies indicate that Magnet hospitals have higher patient satisfaction, decreased mortality rates, fewer falls and improved overall patient safety and quality compared to other hospitals. In addition, Magnet hospitals generally have higher registered nurse retention rates, fewer RN vacancies and less nurse burnout than other hospitals.

CHI St. Vincent Infirmary's Magnet designation continues until 2022.