Successful second in-person Magnet4Europe Learning Collaborative in Oslo: Another Milestone in the Project

​By Joan Kleine, MScPH, Department of Health Care Management, TU Berlin

​The second Magnet4Europe Learning Collaborative in Oslo was a standout event that brought together teams from participating hospitals in Europe and the U.S., along with researchers from the project consortium. From May 30 to 31, 2023, over 160 participants convened in the beautiful capital of Norway to share experiences, insights, and best practices within the Magnet4Europe project. Additionally numerous participants joined virtually. 

Amidst fantastic weather and the scent of lilacs in the air, the conference took place at the Oslo University Library, hosted and organized by the teams around Prof Anners Lerdal from Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital Oslo, Norway, and Prof Jonathan Drennan from University College Cork, Ireland. The teams did a remarkable job ensuring the event ran smoothly and provided an inspiring and educational experience for attendees.

Lilacs for the M4E Learning Collaborative

View to University Libraby Oslo

The event kicked off with an impressive musical performance by the SaxArt saxophone quartet, featuring Anners Lerdal himself. The captivating music set the stage for two days filled with exciting presentations and discussions. Over the course of the two days, five plenary sessions showcased exemplary work by hospital representatives, offering valuable insights for all attendees. Topics included the implementation of shared governance, strengthening interprofessional collaboration and professional pride in nursing, evaluating nursing quality using data, and much more. The first day of the conference concluded with the enchanting vocals of the Lovisenberg Choir and a shared dinner among all participants.

M4E Learning Collaborative 2023 in Oslo, Norway

Kick Off M4E Learning Collaborative with SaxArt in Oslo, May 2023

​The second day started with another plenary session focusing on the ANCC's Pathway Model. Christine Pabico, Director of Pathway to Excellence Programs, emphasized the goal of creating an optimal environment for nurses and healthcare personnel and how to choose the appropriate model for individual hospitals. In breakout sessions, participants came together at country level to discuss sustainability after the completion of Magnet4Europe and how to maintain the momentum. A separate breakout session explored the opportunities provided by the Pathway to Excellence Program.

​Furthermore, 23 outstanding posters were presented, created collaboratively by European hospitals and their U.S. twinning partners. These posters showcased innovative approaches and best practices in various areas of the Magnet model. The best posters were recognized with prizes, acknowledging the excellent work and dedication of the hospitals.

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​Prof Walter Sermeus, the coordinator of the Magnet4Europe study, who also had birthday that day, concluded the event with a motivational and humorous address. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and encouraged all participants to make the most of the project's final year and continue working together to improve working conditions in hospitals. He assured, "We are not letting you alone", on this journey.

The Magnet4Europe Learning Collaborative in Oslo undoubtedly marked another milestone in the Magnet4Europe project. The conference provided a lot of opportunities for networking and collaboration. Participants had the chance to engage with like-minded people from participating Magnet4Europe hospitals in Europe, as well as twinning partners from the U.S., and the Magnet4Europe research team. Everyone returned with new insights, ideas, and a sense of connectedness, ready to embark on the final year of the project with inspiration and motivation.

​Through the exchange of best practices and collaboration among different hospitals and research institutions, we can collectively enhance the European hospital landscape and optimize working conditions for nurses. The journey itself is the goal!