AtlantiCare Attains Prestigious Honor

ATLANTIC CITY — The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program for excellence in nursing services again designated AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center as a Magnet hospital Oct. 10.
ARMC became the 105th hospital in the nation to attain status as a Magnet™ designated hospital in March of 2004.
“Earning Magnet status once is a tremendous accomplishment,” stated Robyn Begley, vice president of nursing, AtlantiCare in a release.
“Our attaining Magnet status in today’s health care environment demonstrates ARMC nurses’ vision, influence, clinical knowledge and strong expertise, and their ability to meet the future demands of the profession and of our community’s healthcare needs.”
Research shows that Magnet hospitals are more effective at attracting and keeping quality nurses. More than 900 nurses work at ARMC’s Mainland Campus, in Pomona, New Jersey, and in its City Campus, in Atlantic City, New Jersey and other ARMC ambulatory sites. ARMC’s nurse turnover and vacancy rates are among the lowest in the nation.
Magnet certification is based in part on how well a hospital handles various nursing and healthcare challenges. The ANCC focuses on empirical quality results; quality of nursing leadership; management style; organizational structure; personnel policies and programs; contributions to/relationship with the community and the hospital’s nursing image.
According to the ANCC, the leading nursing credentialing organization in the United States, Magnet™ designation is widely accepted as the gold standard of patient care. The Magnet ™ Recognition Program recognizes excellence and professionalism in nursing. Applicants undergo an extensive evaluation. Members who are awarded Magnet™ status must continue to maintain rigorous standards as part of their four-year designation. To reapply for and receive Magnet status for an additional four years is confirmation of the hospital’s resolve to deliver the highest level of care in nursing.
“Strong leadership, empowered professionals and exemplary practice are essential to Magnet-recognized organizations, but they are not the final goals,” said David Tilton, president and CEO, AtlantiCare. “ARMC’s recertification as a Magnet hospital is a testament to our commitment to providing the highest quality of care for our community and a work environment that allows our nurses to grow professionally and personally.
ARMC nurses are outstanding people who have earned the right to be recognized nationally for what they do.”