Rush University System for Health has achieved significant recognition for its nursing excellence, with all three of its hospital locations—Rush University Medical Center, Rush Oak Park Hospital and Rush Copley Medical Center—earning Magnet designation.
Rush University Medical Center was the first hospital in Illinois to earn this designation for both adult and pediatric care, and it achieved its fifth consecutive Magnet designation in 2020. Rush Oak Park Hospital received its second Magnet designation in 2021, while Rush Copley Medical Center earned its second Magnet designation, this time achieving Magnet With Distinction. These honors confirm Rush’s status as a top-tier system that serves as a role model for nursing excellence. We are raising the bar by ensuring that our practice aligns with the Magnet model, demonstrated by an exceptional nurse practice environment and quality patient outcomes.
The highest honor given for nursing excellence, the Magnet Recognition Program acknowledges health care organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovations in professional nursing practice. The status is a designation conferred by the American Nurses Credentialing Center of the American Nurses Association.
Magnet designation is considered the “gold standard.” It means Rush nurses are experts continually working to improve patient care through specialized training and quality improvements. It acknowledges that our nurses are among the best in providing high-quality patient care, improving patient outcomes and safety, pursuing ongoing training, working as a team and giving to the community. Rush nurses have a healthy work environment and high level of engagement as demonstrated through periodic nursing satisfaction surveys.
Magnet with Distinction was announced as a new honor in 2023 to distinguish the highest performing Magnet organizations around the world. Hospitals that achieve Magnet with Distinction have nurse and patient outcomes that exceed the threshold to meet Magnet standards, placing them in an exclusive category of elite organizations. Magnet with Distinction is further validation of nursing excellence for the best of the Magnet best.
While Magnet designation recognizes nursing excellence, this is also an achievement for the entire organization. As part of their evaluation, Magnet teams interview providers, patients, members of the community and many other stakeholders at each hospital. They evaluated nursing with regard to the following:
- Quality patient outcomes
- Innovative, patient-focused initiatives
- Nursing and interdisciplinary efforts to improve patient safety
- Work and patient care environments
- How clinical nurses are involved in decision making
- Professional development of the nursing staff
- Efforts to reduce turnover
Magnet Recognition Program Overview
Consumers rely on Magnet designation as the ultimate credential for high-quality nursing. Developed by ANCC, Magnet is the leading source of successful nursing practices and strategies worldwide.
Benefits of Magnet Designation
- Attract and retain top talent
- Improve patient care, safety and satisfaction
- Foster a collaborative culture
- Advance nursing standards and practice
- Grow your business and financial success
Magnet: In Support of Patient Safety
Goals and Guiding Principles
The Magnet Recognition Program advances three goals within health care organizations:
- Promote quality in a setting that supports professional practice
- Identify excellence in the delivery of nursing services to patients/residents
- Disseminate best practices in nursing services
Learn more about the Magnet model and Magnet with Distinction