Lehigh Valley Health Network received worldwide recognition for nursing care for the fifth time.

American Nurses Credentialing Center notified LVHN Chief Nursing Officer Kim Jordan, that the health network’s Lehigh Valley-based hospitals and services achieved Magnet designation for the fifth consecutive time.

Jordan received the news in a phone call with Jeanette Ives Erickson, chair of the Commission for the Magnet Recognition Program.

ANCC Magnet Recognition Program distinguishes health care organizations that demonstrate excellence in nursing services.

Magnet recognition is the highest national credential for nursing excellence, serving as the gold standard for nursing practice.

When patients are cared for by Magnet nurses in a Magnet hospital, they receive the highest level of care that meets the rigorous standards of the Magnet program. Magnet-recognized organizations embody a collaborative culture in which nurses are valued as integral partners on a patient’s care team. At LVHN, nurses are supported by administration, respected by physician colleagues and make significant contributions to quality and safety outcomes every day.

“Throughout 2020, which is Year of the Nurse, we celebrate our nurses for all they are and all that they do,” Jordan says. “Now, we can once again celebrate the achievement made possible by the contributions of each and every nurse at LVH.”

LVHN’s Lehigh Valley-based hospitals and health care professionals earned Magnet recognition for the first time in 2002. More than 500 health organizations are currently recognized by the Magnet program, and only 23 (including LVHN hospitals) have earned this distinction five times.

“Our nurses are honored to provide world-class nursing care to the people of our community because it’s what our patients need, expect and deserve,” says Brian Nester, LVHN’s president and chief executive officer. “Magnet recognition validates what our patients already experience: a highly professional patient care services staff who work collaboratively with physicians and clinicians to provide exceptional care.”

Nurses from Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest, LVH–Muhlenberg, LVH–17th Street and LVHN–Tilghman who work in patient care services, perioperative services, home care, hospice, cancer services, cardiac catheterization labs and interventional radiology had the chance to meet with Magnet appraisers during a one-of-a-kind virtual site visit in July.

“A team of four appraisers validated that the Magnet model components (transformational leadership; structural empowerment; exemplary professional practice; new knowledge, innovation and improvement) were in action at LVH,” says Lori Grischott, LVHN’s Magnet Program Director.

“They ensured that performance and quality were sustained and improved over the four-year period since the hospital received its last recognition.”

Appraisers met with front-line nursing staff, nurse leaders, physicians, other hospital staff, patients, families and community members. They shared their findings with a panel of ANCC Magnet program leaders, who unanimously decided to redesignate LVH as a magnet organization.

“I’m extremely proud of our commitment to providing excellent patient care, improving care delivery, focusing on education and research, partnering with our medical staff and communities and continuing to support opportunities for nurse empowerment and innovation,” says Jordan.

“Magnet designation reflects the hard work and tireless dedication of our nurses, honors the legacy of those who helped us reach this point and promises the commitment of the next generation of nurses who will carry this designation forward.”