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Two tips to stay on top of your documentation

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, April 4, 2006

As the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® coordinator at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Barbara (BJ) Hannon, RN, MSN, collects evidence on an ongoing basis to prepare the written documents for redesignation, although her methods can be applied in hospitals seeking initial designation, too. To stay on top of new exemplars, Hannon

• requests that all of the nurse managers and associate directors copy her on e-mails or send her materials related to any divisional or unit-based programs or activities that relate to the 14 Forces of Magnetism (e.g., teaching projects, nurse awards, things nurses do for patients, poster projects, and birthday celebrations)
• regularly checks the hospital Web site and rounds to pick up pamphlets, brochures, announcements, meeting flyers, seminar flyers, entertainment announcements, etc., throughout the hospital

After she collects these materials, she deposits them in appropriate folders labeled with each Force. "Although I have more exemplars of evidence than I will need when I rewrite our documents, you never know what triggers something special to write about," she says. Timeliness is also a consideration as your evidence must be no older than 12-18 months, unless you are showing a trend, adds Hannon.

Source: The best practice above is from Barbara Hannon RN, MSN Magnet Recognition Program Coordinator, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, IA, a designated facility since January 2004.

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