COVID-19 presented myriad challenges to City of Hope staff in the last year. But even during a pandemic, through the efforts of nurses, physicians and leadership, the institution achieved an honor bestowed on only 9% of hospitals in the country: Magnet® recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Magnet recognition is one of the group’s highest accolades and a designation that recognizes not only City of Hope’s nursing team, but also the physicians and health care team members who have supported and encouraged this journey. It is a testament to the ceaseless dedication of City of Hope’s 1,600 nurses to patient-centered care and the highest standards of professional practice.
Beyond the Magnet recognition, City of Hope also received six exemplars from the Commission on Magnet, awarded for extraordinary performance in the areas of patient satisfaction, prevention of surgical harm, and a total of 89% of nurses with a bachelor of science degree or higher in nursing. These exemplars demonstrate City of Hope’s commitment to personalized care and expert skill at the highest level.
“We are extremely proud of our nursing staff and all they do for the patients, families and communities we serve,” said Robert Stone, president and CEO and Helen and Morgan Chu Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair. “This is a tremendous honor for City of Hope, as it reflects the outstanding quality of care and teamwork across our entire clinical organization. To achieve this recognition in the middle of a pandemic, with all of the challenges and stress it has caused, is truly astonishing.”
The process for Magnet recognition includes a written submission that demonstrates stellar performance in more than 80 standards. Appraisers from the credentialing body visited City of Hope virtually, toured more than 50 units and departments, held over 40 meetings and listened to comments from more than 500 nurses and staff.
“Even in a virtual site visit, the caring and compassion of our nurses and the strength of the interprofessional collaboration shone through,” said Chris Tarver, R.N., D.N.P., CNS, NEA-BC, Magnet program director.
Clinical nurse Hung Wang was one the “virtual hosts” assigned to the Magnet appraisers for the site visit, navigating them through departments on the main campus in Duarte as well as at the clinical network sites.
“We would introduce the appraiser to the unit tour guides, and designated employees would take an iPad and provide a virtual tour of the unit,” Wang explained. The visit was an overwhelming success, even leaving one representative from ANCC emotional over the high level of care City of Hope nurses provide, who encouraged the nurses to “never lose what you have.”
Nurse Manager Peter Hirsch, perioperative administration, was a team lead for the appraiser during the virtual visit.
“Our nursing personnel were eager participants, consummate professionals and excellent historians,” he said. “We told the City of Hope story and spoke of the care and compassion that is afforded to our unique population. This has been a magnificent endeavor.”
“This Magnet recognition demonstrates how we achieve the highest standards for our patients and families,” said Regina Buchanan, M.S.N.-Ed., R.N., executive director, Nursing Critical Care Administration. “It truly shows how City of Hope nurses are empowered to collaborate in our work environment, utilizing nurse education and research to exceed national benchmarks.”
Buchanan said it is City of Hope’s unique culture that allows its nurses to flourish as professionals.
“Our shared decision-making council has really supported the collaboration of common goals through quality improvement, engaging and empowering staff at every level,” she said. “Nurses pulled together and collaborated to support and guide our patients through this difficult time of the pandemic. Although this visit was done via video, the appraisers were able to see what compassionate and dedicated nurses we have caring for our patients.”
Brown said this Magnet journey has been a long one, but it is not at the end. It is at an exciting beginning.
“We must continue our journey — we will always strive for excellence, to do better, to do more, to demonstrate our compassion, enthusiasm and excellence. We’re going to keep saying to our patients, our families, our physicians, ‘We got it.’ And I’m confident we will continue to have it for the next 100 years at City of Hope.”