Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Is Awarded Its Fourth Consecutive Designation as a Magnet® Organization for Excellence in Nursing Practice and Patient Care

•  Magnet recognition is among the highest honors acknowledging excellence in nursing practice in the United States

BOSTON- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has been awarded Magnet® status from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for the fourth consecutive time. This prestigious designation recognizes excellence in nursing practice and health care delivery and has been awarded to only 8% percent of hospitals in the United States. In 2005, Dana-Farber became the first cancer center in New England to receive Magnet status.  There are only 5 other Massachusetts hospitals who have held Magnet status for this length of time.

“Our fourth consecutive Magnet designation is a moment of immense pride for our nurses because it says they are among the best of the best in this country,” said Anne H. Gross, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, Dana-Farber’s senior vice president for patient care services and chief nursing officer. “It is the highest honor bestowed on a hospital or health system by the ANCC, and it reflects the incredible quality of care and teamwork across our entire clinical service.”

According to the ANCC, numerous studies show Magnet-recognized hospitals provide:

• High-quality care with higher patient satisfaction.
• A safer environment with better patient outcomes and a lower risk of 30-day mortality.
• Higher job satisfaction among nursing staff where nurses collaborate effectively with physicians and clinicians, demonstrate innovative nursing practice, and provide patient-centered care.

“Magnet recognition is really a reflection of the entire hospital. The nurses, the physicians, clinicians, support staff, everyone who is a part of Dana-Farber should be proud of this Magnet designation,” said Laurie H. Glimcher, MD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute president and chief executive officer. “This says Dana-Farber is absolutely outstanding in the quality of care that it delivers so, if you have cancer, this is the place to come.”

The Magnet Recognition Program® provides consumers the ultimate benchmark for measuring quality of care. To achieve Magnet designation, organizations undergo a rigorous process that includes an electronic application, documentation of compliance with the 82 standards, an on-site visit, and a final review by the Commission on Magnet Recognition.