SMH Earns Magnet Status for Fifth Time, Recognizing 20 Years of Nursing Excellence

Less than 1% of hospitals nationwide have maintained the American Nurses Association’s gold standard of nursing care for two decades.

SARASOTA, Fla. (July 25, 2023) – Sarasota Memorial Health Care System announced today that its Sarasota hospital has for the fifth time, and for 20 years running, achieved Magnet recognition from the American Nurses Association’s Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Only 10% of more than 6,000 hospitals in the U.S have achieved Magnet status at least one time, but fewer than 1% have received the recognition five times or more. Magnet recognition, which must be renewed every four years, is the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence and the gold standard for measuring quality of care and professionalism in nursing. Sarasota Memorial first earned designation in 2003 and has remained the only hospital in the region with Magnet recognition for the past 20 years.

To earn its fifth consecutive Magnet designation, Sarasota Memorial nurses completed a lengthy and rigorous review process to demonstrate their enduring commitment to top-quality patient care, nursing excellence, exemplary professional practices and a supportive, collaborative work environment. Earlier this year, SMH submitted a detailed written application followed by a four-day on-site appraisal in May by multiple Magnet appraisers who met with nursing leaders and staff across the organization to validate patient care practices, policies and procedures.

“Achieving our fifth consecutive Magnet recognition would be impressive in any circumstances, but over the past four years our nurses overcame an endless volley of pandemic-related challenges and at times seemingly insurmountable odds to retain this well-deserved honor,”

said Connie Andersen, Chief Nursing Officer at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System.

David Verinder, CEO of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, congratulated the health system’s nursing leaders and team of more than 3,000 nurses for creating a clinical environment that promotes excellent nursing care and patient outcomes.

“Together, you have created a place where nurses grow and succeed, where clinicians collaborate to achieve best practices, and where doctors and their patients can feel better knowing they are in the best hands,” he said.

Research indicates that Magnet facilities consistently outperform other hospitals in key quality measures and patient satisfaction results. Magnet hospitals also are more successful at attracting and retaining an extraordinary caliber of nurses and have higher staff satisfaction.

During a video call from the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program office early Tuesday, Dr. Sharon Pappas, chair of the Commission on Magnet Recognition, delivered the good news, calling SMH a “national and international role model.”

SMH-Sarasota President Lorrie Liang commended the hard work and expertise of its nursing leaders, councils, educators and nursing staff, who not only meet, but regularly exceed national quality benchmarks. “All of you set the culture for excellence…You are the best of the best!”

Beyond its Magnet status, Sarasota Memorial has repeatedly earned accolades.. Earlier this year, SMH-Sarasota was ranked in the top 10 hospitals for nurses in the state of Florida and the highest in the region by NurseJournal, a national resource in education and career development for nurses and aspiring healthcare professionals. For more on SMH’s Magnet designation, visit smh.com/magnet.