Nursing Administration - Factors Affecting Nurse Retention at an Academy Magnet Hospital - Research Paper Example

Interest in Magnet® has since grown, and the list of applicants continues to expand since then. Several studies have demonstrated the usefulness of Magnet status.  Buffington, et al (2012) studied factors in nurses' retention and reported they left due to lack of support and recognition. Laschinger, Leitev, Day & Gilin (2009) reported that leaving of experienced nurses caused secondary turnouts due to workforce pressure, and caused lack of job satisfaction. Magnet status takes care of these problems by building an overall professionally sound organization. The Magnet recognition is a time-consuming detailed process involving organizational efforts to develop required systems, procedures, and practices. It involves comprehensive development on the part of the organization as well as its units. After a detailed appraisal, if the organization meets the requirements, site visits are planned followed by public comment.

            The original Magnet® research study conducted in 1983 found that those organizations that were successful in recruiting and retaining nurses during the shortages of nurses faced in the 1970s and 1980s had certain characteristics which differentiated them from other organizations. These fourteen characteristics remain known as the ANCC Forces of Magnetism which form the basis of the conceptual framework of ANCC recognition and maintenance of Magnet® status. These forces of Magnetism available at the website (http://www.nursecredentialing.org/ForcesofMagnetism.aspx) are attributes or outcomes that exemplify or form the basis of nursing excellence. Expression of full forces of magnetism implies a high-quality professional environment in the organization at every level, where nursing is guided by a strong and visionary nursing leader. This leader is a senior functionary who advocates and supports excellence in nursing practice, and in turn, is also responsible for the continued maintenance of the organization's Magnet® status.

Principles of Magnet Certification

            The Magnet® recognition program has three basic goals and guiding principles: (i) To promote quality in a setting that supports professional practice; (ii) to identify excellence in the delivery of nursing services to patients; and (iii) dissemination of best practices in nursing services. The model for achieving the Magnet® status is a model that sets requirements for (i) Structural empowerment; (ii) transformational leadership; (iii) exemplary professional practices; and (iv) new knowledge, innovation, and improvement. The focus of this model is the empirical outcome. To achieve the goals and comply with the model is required the achievement of 14 forces of magnetism. The forces of magnetism are listed at the site of ANCC (Nursecredentialing.org, n.d.):

Force 1: Quality of Nursing Leadership, through knowledgeable nurse leaders.

Force 2: Organizational Structure, decentralized, where decision-making is fast.

Force 3: Management Style, where environment support participation and communication.

Force 4: Personnel Policies and Programs, support competitive salaries and rewards.

Force 5: Professional Models of Care, where nurses have authority and are accountable

Force 6: Quality of Care, quality is the driving force for nursing and the organization.

Force 7: Quality Improvement, structures, and processes exist for the measurement of quality.

Force 8: Consultation and Resources, resources, and support are provided to expert nurses.

Force 9: Autonomy, the nurse is expected to practice autonomously with professional standards.

Force 10: Community and the Health Care Organization, outreach and relationships exist.

Force 11: Nurses as Teachers, nurses engaged in the educational and mentoring program.  

Force 12: Image of Nursing, nurses are viewed as integral to health care and are involved.

Force 13: Interdisciplinary Relationships, collaboration exists within and among disciplines.

Force 14: Professional Development, the organization supports personal and professional growth.

Benefits of Magnet® Status to Hospitals

         The Magnet® status aims to achieve a comprehensive system in the overall organization: of system, policies, practices, and procedures in the delivery of health care.  The benefits of the magnet status are primarily at three levels:

            (i) Organization: With the Magnet® status, the organization becomes one of the selected organizations that are accredited or certified by a professional body of repute. It is recognition and builds the organization's brand image. At the functional level, the organization becomes more professionally sound in its systems, practices, procedures, and functions, all levels leading to improved performance and profits. There is greater professionalism in staff, with overall patient outcomes in the form of reduced mortality, patient satisfaction, and a higher nursing outcome like the satisfaction of nursing staff,  recognition, rewards, nurses retention thus reducing losses on account of frequent resignations by nursing staff.

            (ii) Nursing Staff: There is greater opportunity for nursing staff at all levels in the organization, they take part in discussions, participate in management, and there exists greater opportunity to contribute to the organization more effectively. The nurses have greater opportunities to develop professionally through advanced qualifications, training, and mentoring. There are competitive salaries, and greater opportunities to grow in the organization. The Chief Nursing Officer has a high position in the organization and looks after the interests of the nursing staff and supports them in their betterment to become more effective and efficient.

            (iii) Patients Outcome: The biggest beneficiary of the Magnet® status is aimed to be the patient, by ensuring professional staff caring for them. A professionally sound environment following all standards of profession and government and regulatory standards is the best environment for the healthcare setting.  The Magnet® status ensures the best possible safety, efficacy in healthcare with high patient outcomes like satisfaction, minimal mortality, and health and safety risks.