Impact of the Forces of Magnetism on Nursing
The magnet study was originally developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) in1983 during a nationwide shortage of nurses. The task force observed that despite the nationwide shortage of nurses, some hospitals still suceeded in attracting and retaining nurses. They developed this program, which sought to study and explain factors influencing successful recruitments and retention of skilled nurses. They identified 14 characteristics that make certain hospitals to stand out in attracting and retaining top nurses from other health institutions. They named these 14 traits as “the forces of magnetism.”
These “forces” form the main framework for the Magnetic Recognition Program. A hospital that receives magnetic recognition is braded the name “Magnetic Hospital.” Magnet recognizes hospitals that uphold nursing excellence and exceptional patient care. It also pays attention to hospitals that provide a conducive environment that provides satisfaction, growth, and development, as well as the retention of the nurses. It is based on the belief that nurses who work under positive professional environments perform better.
The forces of magnetism are basically the heart of the Magnetic Recognition program. These are attributes that influence excellent nursing performance. There are five major elements that make up the magnetic model. One is transformational leadership, which revolves around inspiring and motivating others to work towards achieving exceptional outcomes. Structural empowerment, which aims to involve the nurses in making organization strategies and goals. An exemplary professional practice which is a concept that organizes how nurses deliver in their work. New knowledge, innovation, and improvements that focus on promoting research and other relevant innovations. Lastly, empirical outcomes which require each of the above components to demonstrate what they have achieved empirically.
Benefits of Magnetic recognition
There are a ton of benefits associated with the Magnetic program. Pursuing magnetic status is associated with improvements in the nurse’s performance, which leads to both staff and patient satisfaction. A study conducted on Rochdale Infirmary, the only hospital in the UK to receive Magnet recognition, indicated significant improvements in nurse satisfaction and the quality of patient care.
Research in health organizations that embrace the concept of magnetism in Australia showed notable improvements in leadership and management support and a positive relationship between health professionals, particularly in the nursing department.
Different studies have also indicated great improvements in patients’ outcomes, reduction in mortality rates, fewer medication errors, and also fewer cases of post-surgical treatments. Magnetic hospitals in the US have mortality rates 20% lower than non-magnetic hospitals. They also have fewer cases of failure to rescue, and most of the nurses in magnetic hospitals have degrees and different specialist qualifications. They also recorded very few temporary staff cases, and their work environments are very effective and highly rated.
