Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Achieves Magnet® Designation, the Highest National Honor for Nursing Excellence

Achieved 13 exemplars for outstanding results in patient experience, clinical outcomes, and nursing satisfaction

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital has achieved Magnet® recognition as a reflection of its incredible nursing professional practice, teamwork and superiority in patient care. The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program® distinguishes organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence. The ANCC cited 13 exemplars, highlighting the hospital’s continuous drive for excellence in nursing practice to achieve superior outcomes that outpace national standards.

“We are thrilled and proud to have earned this prestigious international recognition,” said Caitlin Stella, CEO of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. “What it means for families is that excellence for your child is our true north. For our team, it means decades of dedication to our mission and commitment to children and families in our community. Exceptional care every day is our norm. Excellence in all we do is paramount and that is no small feat. Today, our team’s unwavering commitment shines and we celebrate them!”

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital underwent a rigorous and meticulous process that required participation from leadership and staff to achieve this elite performance-driven recognition. Only about 10% of hospitals nationwide earn Magnet status, and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is one in only 48 children’s hospitals in the country to receive this designation.

Research demonstrates that Magnet recognition provides benefits to patients, health care organizations and their communities, such as:

• Higher patient satisfaction with nurse communication, availability of help and receipt of discharge information,
• Lower risk of 30-day mortality and lower failure to rescue rates,
• Higher job satisfaction among nurses,
• And lower nurse reports of intentions to leave their positions.

“We have reached the pinnacle of nursing excellence. This is a tremendous honor and reflects years of hard work, dedication and commitment to our patients and each other,” said Jineal Shinn, chief nursing officer. “Magnet recognition would not be possible without the incredible work of our nurses, and support across all specialties, medical staff, team champions and leadership at all levels. It truly takes a village! This is their achievement, and we are so proud.”

Magnet recognition sets the gold standard for nursing excellence and influences public perception of healthcare organizations. Recognized even by U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Hospitals," Magnet designation is considered in ranking criteria for inpatient care quality. It is achieved through the Magnet Model, which evaluates nursing practice, research and outcomes. The model prioritizes nursing leadership, collaboration across specialties, and continuous quality improvement, among other elements, to ensure superior patient care.

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital remains focused on upholding the Magnet designation, continually advancing nursing practice, and ensuring patients receive compassionate, safe, and high-quality care. Magnet recognition serves as a benchmark for nursing excellence, guiding the organization's practices, research and measurement of outcomes. Through their collective efforts and ongoing dedication, Memorial Healthcare System and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital will continue to raise the bar of nursing excellence and further continue to improve the health and well-being of the Broward County community and beyond.