What drives an experienced Magnet® hospital to participate in Magnet4Europe: A Report from Pennsylvania Hospital, US

By Emma Cotter (BSN, MSN)

Achieving ANCC Magnet recognition, first in 2015 and again in 2020, has been a significant accomplishment for the nursing and interprofessional teams at Pennsylvania Hospital (PAH). Magnet designation is the highest distinction an organization can receive, recognizing excellence in nursing and a commitment to professional practice, nursing autonomy, and improved patient safety and quality.

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​Pennsylvania Hospital maintains this distinction with pride, knowing that Magnet status reinforces the quality nursing services that PAH provides to the community. The Nursing Leadership team at PAH understands that Magnet is more than a designation; it is a culture of dedication, engagement, and service.
The Pennsylvania Hospital Magnet team recognized that participating in Magnet4Europe allows us to continue expanding our nursing knowledge beyond our own health system. By sharing our experiences with our colleagues at the Magnet4Europe Learning Collaboratives, and through conversations with our Twinning partner, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg (UKR), PAH gains more insight into improving clinician wellbeing, fostering healthy work environments, and emphasizing quality outcomes.

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The journey to Magnet designation is exciting, but can be intimidating. Understanding the Magnet principles and incorporating them into an organization’s culture can be daunting; however, the Magnet community strives to advance nursing in all institutions, and Pennsylvania Hospital was eager to share our Magnet journey with UKR to help further their goals. Walking across the stage at the ANCC Magnet Conference to celebrate Magnet designation is an experience we cherish, and we look forward to the Magnet4Europe hospitals experiencing this accomplishment.
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Through the Twinning partnership, we have found that while we are thousands of miles apart and speaking different languages, both PAH and UKR are working toward the same mission: to provide evidence-based, quality nursing care for all those we serve.
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The Magnet4Europe experience has brought insight into the global impact of nursing during a pandemic. Nurses’ commitment to patients and families during these uncertain times underscores the Magnet foundational values. We are proud to be nurses and honored to be contributing to this important work. We look forward to finally meeting our UKR colleagues in person and continuing this valuable partnership. ​

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