Magnet Culture
A Magnet organization exemplifies excellence – an excellent working environment in which to deliver excellent patient care. And, as the word “Magnet” implies, top-notch nurses, physicians, scientists, and other healthcare professionals are “attracted” to a Magnet culture. High quality and satisfaction support continued excellence.
Magnet Designation, given by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (American Nurses Association), is the only national award that recognizes nurses as integral team members in influencing positive patient outcomes. Less than 10% of hospitals in our country are recognized as Magnet organizations. Achieving Magnet Designation means satisfying a demanding set of criteria that measures the strength and quality of nursing and our interdisciplinary approach to patient care. Our work at Vanderbilt University Medical Center is centered around patients and families. When we received our initial designation in November 2006, we were the first Magnet organization in Middle Tennessee.
A MAGNET ORGANIZATION IS ONE:
• Where nursing delivers excellent patient care and nurses have a high level of job satisfaction
• Where there is nursing involvement in data collection and decision-making in patient care delivery
• Where nursing leaders value clinical staff nurses, involve them in shaping research-based nursing
practice, and encourage and reward them for advancing in nursing practice
• Where there is open communication between nurses and members of the health care team.
Learn more about Magnet Designation including eligibility and organizations that have achieved it by visiting the ANCC website.
Being Magnet at VUMC
What does it mean to "Be Magnet" at Vanderbilt University Medical Center? It is much more than just a designation, it is who we are! At VUMC, we embody what it means to "Be Magnet" through a culture of excellence and holding the highest standards of patient care and nursing practice. Vanderbilt nurses work in an environment where they are empowered to flourish professionally through a wealth of development opportunities and supportive nursing leadership. VUMC is known for providing quality care that is patient/family-centered due to outstanding interdisciplinary collaboration and nurses who are experts in patient care and are committed to doing the right thing for our patients! Nurses have a voice and are supported to share their ideas and their expertise to influence systems and care delivery at all levels of the organization through our shared governance structure and supported by our professional practice model.
Professional Practice Model
Vanderbilt nurses are transformational leaders committed to patient- and family-centered care. As essential members of the interdisciplinary team, our nurses incorporate evidence and state-of-the-art technology to achieve the common goals of quality, safety, and service for our patients, families, and community.
Evidence-Based Practice & Nursing Research
Nursing Research is one of the primary missions of Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The Nursing Research department supports nurses' involvement in the use, generation, and dissemination of knowledge to advance nursing practice and patient care.
Shared Governance
Shared Governance supports the principles of decentralized decision making, shared accountability, and partnerships among all staff to deliver exceptional patient care, and enhance work life. Our Unit, Clinic, and Department Boards report to the Nursing Executive Board and lay the foundation of the culture of Shared Governance at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Nursing Diversity
Diversity is a priority for progressive and forward-thinking organizations. At Vanderbilt University Medical Center we are committed to supporting an environment of inclusion and to recruit and retain a diverse workforce. We consider diversity to be vital to providing and delivering culturally competent nursing care. Our common goal is to provide excellent health care to every patient, every time in an environment that encompasses respect and values the individual uniqueness of our patients.
