14 Characteristics of Magnet Hospitals

Hospitals that receive magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center have the following characteristics in common:

• Decentralized decision making to head nurses at unit level.
  
• Strong, effective, visible nursing leadership.
  
• Participatory management with active involvement of staff in planning and decision making.
  
• Primary nursing with recognition of the autonomy, accountability, and responsibility of the professional nurse.
  
• A predominantly RN staff that is fully supported by nursing administration.
  
• Clinical nurse specialists as resources to patient care and staff.
  
• Adequate staffing and flexible scheduling.
  
• Clinical advancement programs or career ladders.
  
• Excellent ongoing inservice training and continuing education.
  
• Assistance and support for continuing formal academic education.
  
• Open communication with positive feedback to staff.
  
• Joint practice committees.
  
• The focus on quality patient care and recognition and rewarding of excellence.
  
• Good salaries and benefits.

Source: American Nurses Credentialing Center, Washington, DC.