Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital has earned redesignation as a Magnet Recognition Program® by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This is the second time the hospital has garnered this prestigious distinction.
Memorial Hermann Greater Heights first earned Magnet recognition in 2017 and is one of only 53 hospitals to do so in Texas. In addition, the hospital is the first and only in the Greater Heights area to obtain Magnet recognition for excellence in nursing. Memorial Hermann Greater Heights was also recognized for achieving two exemplars - components of the Magnet model where the hospital exceeded Magnet expectations - a very noteworthy distinction. These included Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs) and Centerline-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs).
The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes healthcare organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovation in professional nursing practice. Magnet recognition is the highest possible organizational credential granted by the ANCC, the largest and most prominent nursing credentialing organization in the United States. Hospitals must excel in several areas, including nursing standards and practices, patient care, and innovations in nursing leadership and management to earn Magnet status.
“Greater Heights receiving this distinguished award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our nurses, physicians and staff,” said Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Chief Nursing Officer, Ann Szapor. “Our commitment to our patients every day is to provide excellence in care, safety, quality and service. I am extremely proud to be a part of this incredible team.”
Before a hospital is selected for Magnet recognition, the ANCC completes a rigorous evaluation process that includes on-site visits, reviews of written documentation, staff and patient satisfaction surveys and interviews. Initial Magnet recognition is valid for four years and, during that time, hospitals and nursing staff are closely monitored, evaluated, and surveyed to ensure they remain in compliance with the program's high standards. At the end of the four-year period, hospitals must re-apply and again undergo the challenging evaluation process.
Studies have demonstrated that Magnet-recognized hospitals typically provide a higher quality of patient care, including lower mortality rates and better patient satisfaction. Magnet hospitals also experience lower turnover and lower rates of burnout among nursing staff. The recognition is also directly linked to a hospital's ability to attract and retain qualified, highly educated nursing staff.
Memorial Hermann Greater Heights is one of seven Magnet hospitals within the Memorial Hermann Health System. The other six are Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center, Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center, Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital and Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital.