Magnet Status Achieved for UK HealthCare, Eastern State Hospital

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 16, 2021) — UK HealthCare and Eastern State Hospital have achieved Magnet status, the highest institutional honor and gold standard for nursing excellence granted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program. 

“Achieving Magnet status involves a rigorous and lengthy review, but what it means is clear: our nurses are the best at what they do,” said Dr. Mark Newman, University of Kentucky executive vice president for health affairs. “Over this past year, we have seen many challenges impact our ever-evolving nursing practice and profession. Despite these trials and difficulties, our commitment to high-quality health care remains strong.”

Hospitals must reapply for Magnet status every four years and complete a thorough and lengthy process that demands widespread participation from leadership and staff. The process includes an application and written documentation demonstrating qualitative and quantitative evidence regarding patient care and outcomes. Then, an on-site visit is held to thoroughly assess the applicant. After the on-site review process, the Commission on Magnet reviews the completed appraisal report to determine whether Magnet recognition will be granted.

This is the first Magnet recognition for Eastern State Hospital, a state-owned facility managed by UK HealthCare since 2013.

In 2001, UK HealthCare became the 38th Magnet-recognized organization. The hospital system maintained its designation until 2009 when the ANCC restructured the Magnet Recognition Program criteria. The fundamental shift from a process-structured infrastructure to an outcomes-based infrastructure led to UK HealthCare needing to make changes to regain its status.

In 2016, UK HealthCare successfully reclaimed the high distinction of Magnet status and now has retained that recognition during this last assessment.

“Our teams have been extremely dedicated, focused and committed to achieving the goal of Magnet status and it shows in every interaction with patients and their families,” said UK HealthCare Chief Nursing Executive Gwen Moreland. “This status demonstrates our commitment to exceptional care for every patient, every time and is a commitment accomplished through collaboration and hard work to continually advance nursing knowledge and expertise.”

UK HealthCare and Eastern State Hospital nurses have taken a leadership role in demonstrating that it takes all our caregivers working as a team to meet the needs of patients and their families, Moreland said. And by achieving Magnet status once again, it proves the power of advanced medicine is being delivered here.

“All of us are appreciative and proud of the work UK HealthCare and Eastern State Hospital nurses do every day, and we are thankful to everyone involved in achieving this recognition,” she said.