UAB Hospital Achieves Record Sixth Magnet Nursing Designation
Jennifer Alsabrook-Turner, which includes UAB Hospital-Highlands and UAB Medicine’s provider-based outpatient clinics, was granted recognition as a Magnet-designated organization today for the sixth consecutive time by the American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet Recognition Program®. UAB Hospital is only the 19th hospital worldwide to receive this designation six consecutive times and is the only hospital in Alabama designated a Magnet organization.
The American Nurses Credentialing Center honor is the most prestigious designation a health care organization can receive for excellence in nursing and patient outcomes. UAB was first designated in 2002, and then again in 2006, 2011, 2015, and 2019. The 2024 recognition ensures Magnet designation through 2029.
“To be recognized for a sixth consecutive time as a Magnet-designated organization is indicative of the unmatched level of care offered to patients at UAB Hospital, as well as the standard of excellence found in our nursing teams across all entities,” said Terri Poe, DNP, chief nursing officer of UAB Hospital. “Being named as just one of 19 hospitals in the world with this number of consecutive accreditations continues to set UAB Medicine apart and continues to motivate our teams to strive for greatness in all that we do.”
Magnet recognition is earned after rigorous review of UAB’s facilities and various programs by ANCC, as well as a four-year reapplication by the institution. Magnet recognition has become the gold standard for nursing excellence and is taken into consideration when the public judges health care organizations.
A cornerstone of UAB Medicine has long been to encourage nurses to participate in the decision-making process regarding safety and patient care in their units and offer ways for them to engage and contribute. This increased input has led to a number of nurse-driven improvements and innovations, which contributed greatly to Magnet reaccreditation and serves as a testament to the level of nursing opportunities provided to employees.
“This recognition is the gold standard of our profession, and the independent confirmation by ANCC affirms what we’ve known for many years: UAB nurses are among the best in the world,” Poe said. “With this, we will only continue to exceed expectations and offer care that can’t be found elsewhere.”