The University of Michigan Health-West has received the prestigious Magnet with Distinction designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, recognizing its commitment to nursing excellence. This accolade was granted after the health system demonstrated significant achievements in nursing practice, collaboration, and patient care.
Kate Veenstra, the chief nursing officer at UM Health-West, referred to the designation as a “milestone moment.” She emphasized that “Magnet recognition affirms the incredible work happening here every day and how our nurses elevate and optimize care for our patients.” Veenstra noted that this recognition validates the health system’s culture of nursing excellence and acknowledges the clinical improvement efforts of the nursing team.
Magnet recognition is widely regarded as the gold standard in nursing. It is awarded to fewer than 10% of hospitals in the United States, underscoring the significance of this achievement. The designation remains valid for a period of four years, allowing the organization to maintain its commitment to high-quality nursing care.
Achieving this designation was a journey of seven years for UM Health-West, during which the process faced interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the rigorous evaluation, the health system submitted extensive documentation demonstrating that its nursing practices met specific measurable outcomes. Additionally, in September 2023, a three-day site visit was conducted by appraisers from the Magnet program to assess compliance with the established benchmarks.
President of UM Health-West, Ronald Grifka, highlighted the importance of this recognition, stating, “Our nurses lead with skill and compassion. Our nursing care receiving Magnet designation is a direct reflection of their dedication to caring for patients and to each other. We are incredibly proud of our nursing team and what this means for the future of care for patients in West Michigan.”
In West Michigan, other health systems such as Corewell Health and Trinity Health have also achieved the Magnet designation, showcasing a regional commitment to nursing excellence and quality patient care. The recognition not only enhances the reputation of UM Health-West but also contributes to the overall improvement of healthcare standards in the community.
This notable achievement reflects the dedication and professionalism of the nursing staff at UM Health-West, promising continued high-quality care for patients in the region.
