Empowering Nursing Excellence - Insights from ANCC Magnet Conference 2023 Chicago from the ZNA Delegation, Antwerp, Belgium

Authors: 

• Sofie De Peuter, MSc, RN, Magnet Program Director, ZNA, Antwerp, Belgium
• Roxanne Bleijenbergh, PhD Student, MSc, BM, Deputy Head Midwife Jan Palfijn, ZNA, Antwerp, Belgium
• Denise Daems, MSc, RN, Clinical Nurse Specialist in chronic respiratory failure;  ZNA, Antwerp, Belgium
• Wim Van de Waeter, MSc, RN, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), ZNA, Antwerp, Belgium
• Sonja Sommeryns, MSc, RN, Manager of Staff & Strategy, ZNA, Antwerp, Belgium
• Jill Whade, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CPN and Magnet Program Director, Wakemed Health & Hospitals, Raleigh, NC, USA
  
• Elizabeth K. Woodard, PhD and Associate Professor, NC, USA

​The ANCC Magnet Conference 2023 held in Chicago was a remarkable gathering of healthcare professionals from various corners of the world. The conference was characterized by an engaging program, inspiring speakers, and opportunities to strengthen professional relationships. This report summarizes the key insights and takeaways from this enriching event we were able to attend.
 
ZNA Delegation
We proudly represented ZNA (Ziekenhuis Netwerk Antwerpen) with our esteemed delegation:
 

• Sofie De Peuter, MSc, RN, Magnet Program Director, ZNA, Antwerp, Belgium

• Roxanne Bleijenbergh, PhD Student, MSc, BM, Deputy Head of Maternity JP, ZNA, Antwerp, Belgium
• Denise Daems, MSc, RN, Clinical Nurse Specialist in chronic respiratory failure;  ZNA, Antwerp, Belgium
• Wim Van de Waeter, MSc, RN, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), ZNA, Antwerp, Belgium
• Sonja Sommeryns, MSc, RN, Manager of Staff & Strategy, ZNA, Antwerp, Belgium

​Strengthening Partnerships
Our time at the conference was made even more special as we had the opportunity to spend quality moments with our twinning partner, WakeMed.
 
We were delighted to engage with:

• Jill Whade, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CPN and Magnet Program Director, Wakemed Health & Hospitals, Raleigh, NC, USA

• Elizabeth K. Woodard, PhD and Associate Professor, NC, USA

 
Exploring the city together allowed us to not only strengthen our professional relationships but also foster meaningful friendships. WakeMed was represented by 20 dedicated nurses and nursing leaders, making it a truly exceptional experience. The discussions about the variances but also the mutually shared challenges and concerns in nursing practices between the United States and Belgium provided us with new perspectives.

Key Takeaways linked to the magnet model
​​Some of the key takeaways from the conference that left a significant impact:
 
 Transformational Leadership
Leadership Training: A Top Priority
Effective leadership involves not only support from the top but also leadership initiatives at all levels of an organization. A culture of shared governance can be achieved through the integration of a professional practice model and the nurse strategic plan. The conference underscored the significance of leadership training. Healthcare organizations should prioritize leadership development programs and initiate leadership training days. Effective leadership can significantly impact the quality of patient care.
 
Structural Empowerment
Nurses: A Revenue Generator, Not an Expense
Nurses should not be considered an expense; they generate revenue. They play a critical role in keeping beds open, reducing additional costs. It is crucial to recognize that 90% of healthcare services are delivered by nurses. This understanding highlights the economic significance of nursing.
 
Addressing Diversity and Racism
The importance of addressing racism within the healthcare system was highlighted. Race itself is not a risk factor for morbidity, but racism is. It all starts with rising awareness.            
 
Enhancing Professional Development and Retention
The implementation of a clinical ladder system can drive professional development, improve job satisfaction, and boost retention rates. Correlations between participation in a clinical ladder program and higher dedication and intent to stay within the organization were highlighted. To address the challenge of employee retention, the creation of mentorship programs was recommended, as research indicated that 33% of employees resign within two years of taking on a new role.
 
Celebrating Achievements and Practicing Gratitude
Recognition and celebration of achievements were encouraged as a means of fostering a positive work environment. Gratitude should become a daily practice in the healthcare field. Recognizing what is going well is equally important as addressing areas for improvement.
 
New Knowledge, Innovations & Improvements
Cultivating an EBP Culture
Evidence-based practice (EBP) was a central theme at the conference. EBP should be integrated into the strategic plans of healthcare organizations. It is not just another task but a transformation in the way healthcare is delivered. To strengthen the culture of EBP, it is vital to actively involve recent nursing graduates through master's or bridge programs. In cases where practical experience is limited, organizations should prioritize professional growth and development before fully embracing EBP process and practices. Measuring outcomes is critical to ensure the efficacy of EBP. The conference emphasized that the journey towards full EBP implementation can take up to a decade.
 
In general
 
Adapting to Millennial Perspectives
Millennials, a substantial part of the nursing workforce, bring a different mindset. Rather than attempting to change them, organizations should adapt to meet their needs.

---

Acknowledgment at the International Forum
 
During the International Forum on Wednesday, we were honored to receive a certificate acknowledging our participation in the Magnet4Europ study. We are immensely proud of this recognition and look forward to collaborating with our twinning partner in the future. 
 
Conclusion
The ANCC Magnet Conference 2023 in Chicago was not only an opportunity to learn and grow but also a platform to strengthen international relationships and showcase our commitment to advancing nursing practice. The experiences and connections made during this conference will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on our organization. The insights gained from this conference will undoubtedly guide us in our journey towards providing the highest quality of patient care.

---