Magnet Recognition

Since 2012, UCSF Medical Center and UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco have achieved "Magnet recognition" – the gold standard for nursing excellence. Magnet recognition honors hospitals not only for first-rate nursing but for high-quality patient care and innovations in nursing practice. Less than 10% of the nation's registered hospitals achieve Magnet status, and UCSF is the only San Francisco hospital to hold the designation.

Magnet recognition is awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). To maintain Magnet status, health care organizations must reapply every four years and demonstrate ongoing improvement and advances in patient care.

Why Magnet recognition matters

Magnet-designated hospitals are committed to evidence-based practice.

In evidence-based practice, providers reach treatment decisions by considering the latest research findings, along with their own expertise and patient preferences, ensuring that patients receive the safest and most effective care possible. Magnet hospitals, such as UCSF, demonstrate dedication to both delivering research-backed, cutting-edge care and developing new approaches that improve patient outcomes.

Magnet-designated hospitals provide better results to patients.

Studies show that Magnet hospitals deliver higher-quality, safer care, with decreased death and injury rates. Patients have shorter hospital stays, and while in the hospital, they are less likely to fall or acquire infections. Magnet hospitals also attain higher patient satisfaction rates, with patients reporting better nurse communication, pain management and health-related education.

Magnet-designated hospitals attract and retain highly qualified nurses.

Magnet hospitals recognize the integral role nurses play in delivering great care. Nurses at these hospitals report less burnout and greater job satisfaction, and the hospitals report less nursing staff turnover.