The American Nurses Credentialing Center recently awarded University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Magnet designation for nursing excellence. The honor is the result of more than 18 months of preparation and years of commitment to quality nursing care.

To achieve Magnet status, hospitals must go through a rigorous evaluation process. Nurses at University of Iowa hospitals and Clinics say the hard work is worth it.

Statistics show nurses working in magnet hospitals are more satisfied with their job and the care they provide. Magnet hospitals also have an increased retention rate for nurses - an important factor in light of today's nursing shortage.

"We want nurses out there to know that here, at this hospital in Iowa - University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics - we have excellence in nursing practice. This is a place for them to come," says B. J. Hannon, M.S.N, R.N., and Magnet coordinator.

Magnet hospitals are good for patients, too. Independent studies show patients who receive care at Magnet hospitals have a shorter length of stay and higher satisfaction rates.

"This effort has really made visible the contributions that the nursing staff makes to the mission and vision of University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. It has absolutely elevated the status, the value and the image of the nursing staff in this hospital," says Linda Everett, Ph.D., R.N., Director of Nursing Services and Patient Care and Chief Nursing Officer.

This was such a team effort. People really came together, not only just the nursing staff but the entire hospital to support the value of nurses in our organization," says Linda Chase, R.N., associate director of Nursing Services and Patient Care.

Magnet designation is the highest level of recognition a nursing department can receive. Out of more than 6,000 hospitals in the U.S., only about 100 have achieved Magnet status.

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