Nursing

Weekly Q&A: Keeping everyone informed and educated about designation

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, November 21, 2006

This week, a reader wants to know how to keep all departments within the organization educated about, and involved in the journey to ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® (MRP) status. Read the response below from our advisor, Gina Boring, BSN, RN, MRP project coordinator at Aultman Health Foundation in Canton, OH.

Q: What are some strategies to keep all departments educated and involved in the journey to designation?

A: When the site visit is scheduled, consider having the MRP coordinator meet with the director of each unit. As the MRP coordinator, I did this, and had the directors invite three or four key people from their units. We discussed what designation is about and how, as nurses, we rely on everyone to play their role as team members-dietary, housekeeping, valet, security, and so on. Be clear that they should share the information about designation with other staff members and pull everyone in.

Consider sending letters to each division noting the upcoming site visit. Encourage them to feel free to speak with the appraisers and answer their questions. At Aultman Health, we filled the auditorium with staff during the site visit and individuals stood up and offered stories of how the units they worked on made them feel like part of their family.

Encourage your ancillary staff to talk about how they work together with nursing. Since housekeepers, dietary, transport, and security are highly visible on the units, focus on filling them in on the details of the journey.

Have managers and a few key people from each area drive the information. Attend unit and division meetings and explain designation-what it means and how everyone fits in. There is no need to go in depth, but they should know the basics and that they are a part of the whole picture.

Most Popular

Related Articles