Forces of Magnet Hospitals: Recognizing Excellence (continued)
9.
Autonomy. In a Magnet hospital, nurses identify the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing practice. And to meet these needs, the means are consistently available. Nurses exercise independent judgment within the context of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to patient care. An example of nursing autonomy is when nurses use professional standards and research findings to change nursing practice from “the way we always did it” to evidence-based practice.
10.
Community and the Healthcare Organization. Nurses are encouraged, supported, and recognized for their involvement in and development of partnerships within and among various healthcare and community organization that aim to improve patient outcomes and support the communities they serve. For example, nurses contribute their knowledge and skills to community outreach programs and free health clinics to support and strengthen these programs.
11.
Nurses as Teachers. A Magnet hospital promotes the professional nurse’s involvement as a teacher in the organization and the community. Teaching roles include preceptor, nurse educator, and adjunct faculty. Also as patient educators, nurses meet diverse patients’ needs in all areas of the healthcare organization.
To learn about other forces of magnetism, look for this column in upcoming issues.
* The new Magnet model places greater emphasis on measuring outcomes, which are the genuine indicators of excellence. For details, see The American Nurses Credentialing Web Site
